Comparison of Forward-Uphill with Backward-Downhill gait training on balance and gait in children with cerebral palsy.

Cerebral Palsy is a non progressive , neuromotor disorder that affects the movement , muscle tone and posture causing limitation of activity in developing fetus or infant. People with Cerebral Palsy may experience abnormalities such as excessive plantar flexion of the ankle, increased knee flexion with valgus, and heightened hip adduction and internal rotation.

These abnormalities can explain the challenges individuals with Cerebral Palsy face in maintaining static balance, dynamic balance and gait.

“Forward-Uphill” gait training increases concentric excursion of fascicle while “Backward-Downhill” gait training increases eccentric excursion of fascicle which can effectively target and improve plantarflexor and dorsiflexor muscle strength which contribute to improve gait and has large impact balance.

Gait training is an important aspect of therapy for children with Cerebral Palsy, as it can help improve their walking ability and overall mobility. Forward Uphill and Backward Downhill gait training specifically focus on plantar flexor and dorsiflexor muscles enhancing the muscle strength, Gait and balance.

As per our literature search, there is a very limited literature comparing the effects of forward uphill gait training and backward downhill gait training  and scare literature on its effects on balance and gait. The purpose of this study is to specifically examine and compare the impact of forward uphill and backward downhill gait training on the enhancement of balance and gait in children diagnosed with cerebral palsy.