The efficiency of partial body weight-supported treadmill training (PBWSTT) for treating various conditions in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) in diverse contexts of rehabilitation, households, or schools is unknown. The major objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the effectiveness of PBWSTT on various outcomes in different contexts among children and adolescents with CP. We incorporated full-text, randomized controlled trial studies that specifically assessed the effects of PBWSTT walking, motor function, stride, balance, and endurance in children and adolescents aged 3 to 18 years with CP. The literature search was carried out using Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL Plus, Scopus, PEDro, and ResearchGate databases. The methodological quality was evaluated using a Cochrane risk of bias instrument. A meta-analysis of pooled data from 10 studies with 255 participants demonstrated that PBWSTT for 4–12 weeks in rehabilitation (mean difference [MD] = 1.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.40—2.48, p < 0.0001), at home or in a school context (MD = 13.5, 95% CI = 13.9—16.0, p < 0.0001), was significantly effective for treating various conditions in children and adolescents suffering with CP. The period of 4–12 weeks of PBWSTT in rehabilitation and at-home/school settings is effective on various outcomes in children or adolescents with CP.

Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has gained attention as a potential intervention to improve social cognition in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, its effects across social domains and the influence of stimulation parameters remain unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate the effectiveness of tDCS in enhancing social functioning in children with ASD, focusing on emotion recognition, theory of mind (ToM), and social responsiveness. Methods: A comprehensive search identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating tDCS effects on social cognition in children with ASD. Studies were assessed for effect sizes and statistical significance. A meta-analysis pooled results, and moderators of tDCS effectiveness were examined. Results: Screening 14 studies revealed that anodal tDCS applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) produced the most consistent improvements in emotion recognition, ToM, and social responsiveness. However, results varied, with some studies reporting improvements, while others showed no substantial effects. Dual-stimulation or cathodal stimulation yielded mixed outcomes. Evidence was limited by small sample sizes, risk of bias, and variability in stimulation parameters. Conclusions: Anodal tDCS over the left DLPFC shows promise for improving social cognition in ASD. Larger controlled trials are needed to determine the effectiveness of combining tDCS with social skills training.

Background and Study Aim. Cardiovascular parameters testing can be used by various modalities ranging from ground running to sophisticated computerized treadmills. The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effect of treadmill moderate-intensity exercise with arm crank exercise on autonomic cardiac function among adult males. Material and Methods. One hundred-twenty male participants participated in this study. They were randomly allocated to a treadmill exercise group with sixty participants and the other sixty participants allocated into an arm crank exercise group. Both groups performed exercises for forty minutes. Autonomic cardiac functions (heart rate variability - HRV), heartbeats, and arterial blood pressure) were determined with the help of Phillips DigiTrak XT Holter heart rate monitor, Polar® Grit X watch, and automatic sphygmomanometer. An independent t-test was used to compare the anthropometric data between both groups. One-way analysis of variance was used to determine the differences between treadmill exercise and arm crank for autonomic cardiac functions among adult males. Results. The HRV decreased significantly during treadmill exercise than arm crank exercise. Mean values of heartbeats (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and rate pressure product (RPP) increased significantly during both exercises. In comparison, mean values of HRV parameters were reduced more significantly during treadmill exercise than arm crank. Mean values of the HR, SBP, and RPP increased significantly during treadmill exercise than arm crank exercise. Conclusion. The study's findings suggest that treadmill exercises are responsible for a greater significant reduction in HRV. The HR, SBP, PP, and RPP significantly increased during treadmill exercises than arm crank. This study suggests that when recommending exercise to any individual, the intensity and mode of exercise are crucial.

Background and Objectives: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) improve walking abilities through partial body weight-supported treadmill training (PBWSTT) and loaded treadmill training (LTT), but there is no consensus on the most effective method. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of PBWSTT and LTT on spatiotemporal gait parameters in children with CP. Materials and Methods: A randomized clinical trial involved 25 children aged 12+ with spastic diplegic CP from various outpatient clinics in Taif and Makkah between January 2024 and January 2025. Participants were randomly assigned to PBWSTT (30% body weight support, n = 12) or LTT (60% lower limb weight loading, n = 13) with 45 min sessions three times per week for eight weeks, including conventional therapy. Results: The spatiotemporal gait parameters (such as gait speed, cadence, stride length, swing phase, and swing width) significantly improved within the PBWSTT and LTT groups, but no significant difference was found between the groups. The gross motor function measure, dimension E (for walking, running, and jumping), showed significantly higher improvement in the PBWSTT group compared to the LTT group (p = 0.047). Conclusions: This study indicates that PBWSTT and LTT can improve gait parameters in children with CP, with PBWSTT promoting postural control and LTT improving mobility. These findings suggest that the proposed rehabilitation strategies can significantly improve the functional outcomes of pediatric cerebral palsy patients.