Optimization of speed parameters for treadmill walking with partial weight support to minimize vertical asymmetry in cerebral palsy

The purpose of the study is to determine walking speed modes on a treadmill with a 10% body weight support that ensure minimal asymmetry of the temporal support parameters in individuals with the hemiparetic form of cerebral palsy (CP). Research methods and organization. The comparative experiment involved men with right-sided asymmetry. A protocol of gradually increasing load (from 0.5 to 3.0 m/s over 8 minutes) was applied on a treadmill with a partial unloading system. The support time of each lower limb and step frequency were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon test. Research results and conclusions. It has been established that in individuals with cerebral palsy, the zone of minimal inter-limb asymmetry (difference of 30 ms) is localized within the speed range of 1.4–1.6 m/s, with an optimum at 1.4 m/s. In healthy individuals, a similar effect is observed at higher speeds—1.9–2.3 m/s. Based on comparative analysis, individualized parameters have been determined for programming rehabilitation sessions. The obtained data allow recommending the identified speed "corridors" as a basis for designing training programs aimed at correcting gait patterns and reducing vertical asymmetry.