To stimulate the CPG you want to think more about the sensory input you are providing, rather than the length of the treatment sessions. Key elements are
1. rhythmic coordinated movement, (proper patterns and alignment imposed by the caregiver)
2. weight shift onto and off of the extended (stance phase) leg
3. hip extension during late stance (elongation of the hip flexor)
4. high treadmill speed to achieve 80-100 step cycles per minute
Being able to provide the first three elements at the higher speed may require some practice by the caregiver providing the treatment. You may need to start at lower speeds and work your way up.
As to how many sessions and how long, you need to build up gradually. You need to have the sessions medically and emotionally well tolerated by your son: he should be happy, even enthusiastic, during his workouts, he should not have any medical contraindications to using the system. Your son may initially only be able to work for a minute or two before needing a rest. A standard protocol would be to work up to three periods of walking during each treatment session with rest breaks in between. Good information regarding planning protocols can be found in the protocol booklet that came with the litegait equipment.
Treatment has been noted to be effective with sessions as frequent as twice each day and with sessions as infrequent as once a week. Less frequent sessions need to be supported with other strengthening and weight bearing treatment and/or activities.
Your therapist might find it beneficial to take one of the pediatric seminars offered through litegait education: http://litegait.com/seminars.html
My son is 14 months old. He was born with spina bifida and has very limited movement in his lower extremities. I am using the LiteGait over a treadmill to try to help him learn to walk. I do not have a therapist who has much experience with the LiteGait. I am wanting to know if I'm trying to activate the central pattern generator, how often do I need to be using the LiteGait and for how long? Any other suggestions or experience would be greatly appreciated.
