User Experience of a Gait Training Treadmill for Home Rehabilitation of Children With Chronic Conditions
This study is exploring a new way for children with long-term health conditions, like cerebral palsy, obesity, or muscle diseases, to do their physiotherapy at home. It's about a special compact treadmill linked to a tablet and a virtual reality headset. The goal is to make sure this home exercise programme is easy and fun to use, so children stick with it and get the most benefit. Researchers will ask children, their parents, and their therapists for their thoughts and ideas on the design. This feedback will help improve the treadmill and accompanying games, ensuring it truly meets their needs before it's tested to see how well it helps children's health.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is all about making rehabilitation easier and more fun for children who have long-term health problems that affect how they move and get around. Sometimes, it can be hard for these children to get enough of the right exercise through traditional hospital visits. This research is looking at a new idea: a special treadmill that can be used at home.
This isn't just any treadmill. It’s designed to be small and easy to use, and it connects to a tablet with fun games and even a virtual reality headset. The main idea is that regular physical activity is really important for children with conditions like cerebral palsy, obesity, or certain muscle diseases. By using this home-based system, the hope is that children can do more of their exercises in a comfortable and familiar environment.
The researchers want to work closely with the children who would use it, as well as their parents and therapists. They're asking for feedback on how easy and enjoyable the treadmill and games are to use. By listening to everyone's opinions, they can make sure the system is improved to truly meet their needs, making it more likely that children will want to use it and benefit from it.
Key takeaways
- Help shape new home rehabilitation for children.
- For children aged 8-18 with specific long-term conditions.
- Involves testing a special treadmill and games.
- Your feedback helps make it better and easier to use.
- No medication, just testing equipment.
- Participation requires French language ability.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, children need to be between 8 and 18 years old. They should be able to walk for 5 minutes on a treadmill, either on their own, with a walking aid, or with some support for their body weight. The study is specifically for children with certain long-term conditions, including cerebral palsy, obesity, or specific muscle diseases like spinal muscular atrophy type 3, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, congenital myopathy, or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
There are also specific requirements based on the child's condition. For instance, children with cerebral palsy need to have a certain level of motor function (GMFCS I to III), and children with obesity must have an IMC (a measure related to weight for height) above a certain level. For those with muscle diseases, their functional ability using specific medical scales must be within a particular range.
Parents of eligible children can participate, as can therapists who work with at least one eligible child. Everyone taking part must be able to speak and understand French well enough to answer questions, and they must agree to be involved in the research. If someone is currently detained by law or under a legal protection order, they cannot participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Is my child between 8 and 18 years old?
- Can my child walk for 5 minutes on a treadmill (with or without aid/support)?
- Does my child have cerebral palsy, obesity, or one of the listed muscle diseases?
- Can I (and my child, if old enough) speak and read French?
- Am I (as a parent) willing to participate alongside my child?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, your child (and you, if you're a parent) would have two main visits to test out the treadmill system. During the first visit, your child would try the treadmill and the games on a tablet and using a virtual reality headset. After this, you would both fill out some questionnaires about your experience. Some time later, there will be group discussions (called focus groups) where children, parents, and therapists can share their opinions on the system and suggest improvements.
Based on all this feedback, the company will spend several months making changes to the treadmill and games. Then, there will be a third visit where your child and you will test the new, improved version of the system and complete questionnaires again. The study does not involve taking any medication or special follow-up beyond these visits. The total duration of your active involvement would be spread over several months, with time in between for the company to make improvements.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- CHU AngersVerified postcodeAngers, France
Common questions
What is a 'gait training treadmill'?
It's a special type of treadmill designed to help children practice walking and improve how they move, often with extra features to make it safe and effective.
What does 'home rehabilitation' mean?
It means doing exercises and therapy at home instead of always going to a hospital or clinic, making it easier and more convenient for families.
Will my child have to take any medication?
No, this study is only about testing the treadmill and games; no medication is involved.
Why is 'user experience' important?
It's about making sure the treadmill and games are easy, safe, and enjoyable to use. If it's a good experience, children are more likely to stick with their exercises.
Will I have to speak French?
Yes, all participants must be able to express themselves and answer questions in French.
How to find out more
Lena CARCREFF
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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