Clinical UM Guideline

This document addresses the indications for a pediatric gait trainer with trunk support, a device similar to a walker that is intended to provide balance stability and postural control in children who require moderate to maximum support for walking. This policy does not address electromechanical or robotic-assisted devices.

Note: For information regarding powered gait training devices, please see the following:

• OR-PR.00006 Powered Robotic Lower Body Exoskeleton Devices

Medically Necessary:

A pediatric gait trainer with trunk support is considered medically necessary for an individual who meets all of the following criteria:

1. Is 18 years of age or younger; and
2. Requires moderate to maximum support for ambulation (for example, because of an injury such as spinal cord or traumatic brain injury or chronic illness: cerebral palsy, neuromuscular disease, or spina bifida); and
3. Demonstrates the ability to ambulate with the device.

Not Medically Necessary:

A pediatric gait trainer with trunk support is considered not medically necessary when the criteria are not met.

The following codes for treatments and procedures applicable to this guideline are included below for informational purposes. Inclusion or exclusion of a procedure, diagnosis or device code(s) does not constitute or imply member coverage or provider reimbursement policy. Please refer to the member's contract benefits in effect at the time of service to determine coverage or non-coverage of these services as it applies to an individual member.

When services may be Medically Necessary when criteria are met:

When services are Not Medically Necessary:
For the procedure codes listed above when criteria are not met.

A pediatric gait trainer is a medically-related mobility device similar to a standard walker. Pediatric gait trainers are proposed to improve musculoskeletal strength and promote balance stability and postural control for children who require moderate to maximum support for walking. Various movement disorders may affect balance and result in the inability to walk, necessitating the use of a gait trainer. Motor limitations may occur after an event to the brain or spinal column (prior to or after birth), resulting in conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or other developmental disabilities. Walking impairment may also occur as a result of an acquired injury, such as a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury.

Peredo and colleagues (2010) surveyed caregivers of children and adolescents (n=108) with motor disabilities to investigate the type and reasons for use of specific medical equipment. The most common diagnoses for children using medical equipment were cerebral palsy (45%), intellectual disability (19%), genetic abnormality (13%), spina bifida (13%) and neuromuscular diseases (7%). The average child’s age was 7.1 years (± 5.0 years). Gait trainers were reported as used by 10 of 52 children (19%) with cerebral palsy and 1 of 14 children (7%) with a genetic abnormality, with daily use by 5 of 11 children (46%).

Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated the benefits of gait trainer-assisted exercises for selected groups.

Garib and colleagues (2011) conducted an RCT to assess the effect of gait trainer-assisted exercises on walking performance in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy. A total of 30 children from a single outpatient pediatric clinic were randomized to two equal groups: traditional physical therapy only (control group) and traditional physical therapy combined with gait trainer-assisted walking exercise (experimental group). Participants in both groups received a 30-minute treatment session 3 times per week for 3 successive months. All participants underwent baseline and post-treatment evaluations which assessed average step length, walking speed, time on each foot and ambulation index, which is a composite score relative to 100 and is based on foot-to-foot time distribution and average step cycle. At baseline, there were no significant differences in demographic and clinical characteristics between the groups. Participants in the experimental group had significantly changed scores in the ambulation index and time of support for the affected side compared to the control group (11.93 ± 2.89 vs. 2.13 ± 4.43; p=0.0001 and 7 ± 2.20 vs. 3.33 ± 6.25; p=0.007, respectively). Within the groups, there were significant improvements in step length and walking speed between baseline and post treatment. Based on this study’s findings, the use of gait trainers with traditional physical therapy improved functional walking parameters as compared to traditional physical therapy only.

Willoughby and colleagues (2010) conducted a single-blind RCT to evaluate the efficacy of partial body weight-supported treadmill training (PBWSTT) vs. overground walking in children diagnosed with cerebral palsy. A power analysis indicated that at least 30 participants (15 per group) would be needed to obtain statistical significance (power of 80%, α=0.05). The study enrolled 34 children from a single metropolitan specialist school who were diagnosed with cerebral palsy and had Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS; Palisano, 1997) levels of III or IV. The children were randomized to two equal groups of 17: treadmill training (experimental group) and overground walking (control group). Both groups completed 9 weeks of twice weekly training. Outcomes included changes in walking performance measured by the 10-meter walk test (walking speed), 10-minute walk (walking endurance) and the School Functional Assessment (walking function in the school environment; Davies, 2004). Assessments were conducted at baseline and weeks 10 and 24. Two physiotherapists who were blinded to the randomization scheme completed the assessments. Of the 34 participants, 1 in the control group withdrew prior to completion of the baseline assessments. After the baseline assessments, 5 in the experimental group (4 had lower limb surgery and 1 had brain cysts) and 2 in the control group withdrew (1 had lower limb surgery and 1 had back pain). Due to the withdrawals, the study was no longer powered to show a significant difference. At baseline, there was a significant difference in the 10-meter walk test results with the control group walking at slower speeds. There was no difference in training schedule adherence between the groups, and no adverse events or safety issues reported. At 10 and 24 weeks, there was a nonsignificant but small trend toward an increase in the distance walked between the groups in the 10-minute walk test. This favored the control group. There was no difference between the groups in the 10-meter walk test or School Functional Assessment (p=0.194 and p=0.133, respectively). This trial showed that PBWSTT is safe and feasible to implement in a special school setting however, it may be as effective as practicing overground walking.

Pediatric gait trainers are available from various medical equipment manufacturers in multiple sizes and models. One such device is the Rifton Pacer Gait Trainer (Community Products, LLC dba Rifton Equipment, Rifton, NY), a type of walker proposed for use by infants 9 months of age and older. The basic unit is described as a lightweight aluminum frame with a stable U-shaped base with four large-diameter caster wheels. The casters have separate control features for brake, swivel lock, variable drag, and one-way ratchet control, to use in any combination to control movement. The frame with prompts can be used in an anterior or posterior position. The frame telescopes for height adjustment to accommodate growth and is available in three sizes from 44.5 cm to 119.5 cm (user elbow heights).

Other models of pediatric gait trainers include, but are not limited to:

• the Walkabout Gait Trainer (Meylan-Smith A/S, Denmark), a posterior support, weight-relieving gait trainer, which gives dynamic support throughout the rise and fall of the pelvis during ambulation and is hands-free and open in the front;
• the KidWalk^® Gait Mobility System (Prime Engineering, Fresno, CA), an open front, hands free gait trainer with a swivel seat and support systems that track the child's up and down and side-to-side motion to assist in achieving a natural walking pattern; and,
• the Therapeutic Ambulatory Orthotic System (TAOS) (Sky Medical, Inc., Sunrise, FL), an orthotic and walker-based device whose components work together to provide a child with cerebral palsy an “upright, hands-free environment.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA, 2023) categorizes gait trainers as Class I devices under the product codes: ITJ (walker, mechanical) or NXE (walker, mechanical, poly vinyl chloride), and exempt from premarket approval (PMA) notification and the 510(k) clearance process.

Cerebral palsy (CP): A group of disorders that can involve brain and nervous system functions, such as movement, learning, hearing, seeing, and thinking, the result of an event to the immature, developing brain, most often before birth. Signs and symptoms appear during infancy or preschool years. In general, cerebral palsy causes impaired movement associated with exaggerated reflexes, floppiness or rigidity of the limbs and trunk, abnormal posture, involuntary movements, unsteadiness of walking, or some combination of these. Some individuals may have difficulty with swallowing, eye muscle imbalance, and/or reduced range of motion at various joints of their bodies due to muscle stiffness. Some individuals are able to walk while others aren't able to walk. Others show normal to near normal intellectual function, while others may have intellectual disabilities due to underlying developmental brain abnormalities. Epilepsy, blindness or deafness also may be present.

Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS): A five level classification system (Levels I-V) for cerebral palsy based on self-initiated movement with particular emphasis on sitting (truncal control) and walking. Distinctions between levels of motor function are based on functional limitations, the need for assistive technology, including mobility devices (such as walkers, crutches, and canes) and wheeled mobility, and to much lesser extent quality of movement. Children in Level II do not require assistive mobility devices after age 4, while children in Level III will need assistive mobility devices to walk (Palisano, 1997).

Spina bifida: Part of a group of birth defects called neural tube defects that include spinal cord malformation presenting in varying degrees of severity and impairment. Functional deficits include, but are not limited to, lower limb paralysis, sensory loss, and cognitive dysfunction.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Occurs when an external mechanical force causes brain dysfunction, often associated with a diminished or altered state of consciousness, and potentially leads to permanent or temporary impairment of cognitive, physical, and psychosocial functions. TBI usually results from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body, but can also be caused by an object penetrating the skull.

Peer Reviewed Publications:

1. Davies PL, Soon PL, Young M, Clausen-Yamaki A. Validity and reliability of the school function assessment in elementary school students with disabilities. Phys Occup Ther Pediatr. 2004;24(3):23-43.
2. Gharib NM, El-Maksoud GM, Rezk-Allah SS. Efficacy of gait trainer as an adjunct to traditional physical therapy on walking performance in hemiparetic cerebral palsied children: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehabil. 2011;25(10):924-934.
3. Henderson S, Skelton H, Rosenbaum P. Assistive devices for children with functional impairments: impact on child and caregiver function. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2008; 50(2):89-98.
4. Johnson KL, Dudgeon B, Kuehn C, Walker W. Assistive technology use among adolescents and young adults with spina bifida. Am J Public Health. 2007; 97(2):330-336.
5. Palisano R, Rosenbaum P, Walter S, et al. Development and reliability of a system to classify gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy. Dev Med Child Neurol. 1997;39(4):214-223.
6. Peredo DE, Davis BE, Norvell DC, Kelly PC. Medical equipment use in children with disabilities: a descriptive survey. J Pediatr Rehabil Med. 2010; 3(4):259-267.
7. Willoughby KL, Dodd KJ, Shields N, Foley S. Efficacy of partial body weight-supported treadmill training compared with overground walking practice for children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2010;91(3):333-339.

Government Agency, Medical Society, and Other Authoritative Publications:

1. Michaud LJ. American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Children With Disabilities. Prescribing therapy services for children with motor disabilities. Pediatrics. 2004; 113(6):1836-1838.
2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration Product Classification Database. Walker, Mechanical. Product code ITJ. Rockville, MD: FDA. April 10, 2024. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpcd/classification.cfm?id=5445. Accessed on  April 10, 2024.
3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration Product Classification Database. Walker, Mechanical, Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC). Product code NXE. Rockville, MD: FDA. March 6, 2023. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpcd/classification.cfm?id=5487. Accessed on April 10, 2024.

1. American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPMR). Available at: http://www.aapmr.org/Pages/default.aspx. Accessed on April 10, 2024.
2. U.S. National Library of Medicine. National Institutes of Health. MedlinePlus. Cerebral palsy. Updated September 13, 2022. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/cerebralpalsy.html. Accessed on April 10, 2024.

KidWalk Gait Mobility System
Rifton Pacer Gait Trainer
Therapeutic Ambulatory Orthotic System (TAOS)
Walkabout Gait Trainer

The use of specific product names is illustrative only. It is not intended to be a recommendation of one product over another, and is not intended to represent a complete listing of all products available.

Federal and State law, as well as contract language including definitions and specific coverage provisions/exclusions, and Medical Policy take precedence over Clinical UM Guidelines and must be considered first in determining eligibility for coverage. The member's contract benefits in effect on the date that services are rendered must be used. Clinical UM Guidelines, which address medical efficacy, should be considered before utilizing medical opinion in adjudication. Medical technology is constantly evolving, and we reserve the right to review and update Clinical UM Guidelines periodically. Clinical UM guidelines are used when the plan performs utilization review for the subject. Due to variances in utilization patterns, each plan may choose whether or not to adopt a particular Clinical UM Guideline. To determine if review is required for this Clinical UM Guideline, please contact the customer service number on the back of the member's card.

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