scholarly journals Effect of Platform Swing Walkway on Locomotor Behavior in Children With Diplegic Cerebral Palsy: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanaa Mohsen ◽  
Omnya Samy

BACKGROUND Limited attention has been given to the effectiveness of the platform swing walkway, which is a common way to improve gait pattern through activation of sensory stimuli (visual, auditory, vestibular, and somatosensory). OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a platform swing walkway on gait parameters in children with diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS A total of 30 children of both sexes (aged 6-8 years) with diplegic CP were enrolled in this study. They were randomly assigned into two groups of equal number: the control group (n=15) and the study group (n=15). The control group received the conventional physical therapy plan, whereas the study group received the same conventional physical therapy program in addition to gait training on a platform swing walkway. Temporal parameters during the gait cycle were collected using gait tracker video analysis, and the Growth Motor Function Measure Scale (GMFM-88) was used to assess standing and walking (Dimensions D and E) before and after the treatment program. RESULTS A statistically significant improvement in both groups was noted when comparing the mean values of all measured variables before and after treatment (<i>P</i>≤.05). There were significant differences between the control and study groups with respect to all measured variables, which favored the study group when comparing the posttreatment outcomes (<i>P</i>≤.05). CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that gait training on platform swing walkways can be included as an alternative therapeutic modality to enhance gait parameters and gross motor function in children with diplegic CP. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NTC04246658; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NTC04246658

10.2196/18232 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e18232
Author(s):  
Hanaa Mohsen ◽  
Omnya Samy

Background Limited attention has been given to the effectiveness of the platform swing walkway, which is a common way to improve gait pattern through activation of sensory stimuli (visual, auditory, vestibular, and somatosensory). Objective The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a platform swing walkway on gait parameters in children with diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Methods A total of 30 children of both sexes (aged 6-8 years) with diplegic CP were enrolled in this study. They were randomly assigned into two groups of equal number: the control group (n=15) and the study group (n=15). The control group received the conventional physical therapy plan, whereas the study group received the same conventional physical therapy program in addition to gait training on a platform swing walkway. Temporal parameters during the gait cycle were collected using gait tracker video analysis, and the Growth Motor Function Measure Scale (GMFM-88) was used to assess standing and walking (Dimensions D and E) before and after the treatment program. Results A statistically significant improvement in both groups was noted when comparing the mean values of all measured variables before and after treatment (P≤.05). There were significant differences between the control and study groups with respect to all measured variables, which favored the study group when comparing the posttreatment outcomes (P≤.05). Conclusions Results suggest that gait training on platform swing walkways can be included as an alternative therapeutic modality to enhance gait parameters and gross motor function in children with diplegic CP. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NTC04246658; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NTC04246658


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Ali Elshafey ◽  
Adel Abd-Elaziem ◽  
Rana Elmarzouki Gouda

Objective.Studying the effect of the functional stretching exercise in diplegic children.Design.Children were randomly assigned into two matched groups.Setting.Outpatient Clinic of the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University.Participants.Thirty ambulant spastic diplegic children, ranging in age from five to eight years, participated in this study.Interventions.The control group received physical therapy program with traditional passive stretching exercises. The study group received physical therapy program with functional stretching exercises. The treatment was performed for two hours per session, three times weekly for three successive months.Main Outcome Measure(s).H∖M ratio, popliteal angle, and gait parameters were evaluated for both groups before and after treatment.Results.There was significant improvement in all the measuring variables for both groups in favor of study group. H∖M ratio was reduced, popliteal angle was increased, and gait was improved.Conclusion(s).Functional stretching exercises were effectively used in rehabilitation of spastic diplegic children; it reduced H∖M ratio, increased popliteal angle, and improved gait.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shamekh Mohamed El-Shamy ◽  
Ehab Mohamed Abd El Kafy

Abstract Background TheraTogs promotes proprioceptive sense of a child with cerebral palsy and improves abnormal muscle tone, posture alignment, balance, and gait. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of TheraTogs orthotic undergarment on gait pattern in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy. Thirty children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy were selected for this randomized controlled study. They were randomly assigned to (1) an experimental group that received TheraTogs orthotic undergarment (12 h/day, 3 days/week) plus traditional physical therapy for 3 successive months and (2) a control group that received only traditional physical therapy program for the same time period. Gait parameters were measured at baseline and after 3 months of intervention using Pro-Reflex motion analysis. Results Children in both groups showed significant improvements in the gait parameters (P < 0.05), with significantly greater improvements in the experimental group than in the control group. Conclusions The use of TheraTogs may have a positive effect to improve gait pattern in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy. Trial registration This trial was registered in the ClinicalTrial.gov PRS (NCT03037697).


Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (7) ◽  
pp. 713
Author(s):  
Cristiano Sconza ◽  
Francesco Negrini ◽  
Berardo Di Matteo ◽  
Alberto Borboni ◽  
Gennaro Boccia ◽  
...  

Background and Objectives: Gait disorders represent one of the most disabling aspects in multiple sclerosis (MS) that strongly influence patient quality of life. The improvement of walking ability is a primary goal for rehabilitation treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) in association with physiotherapy treatment in patients affected by MS in comparison with ground conventional gait training. Study design: Randomized controlled crossover trial. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven participants affected by MS with EDSS scores between 3.5 and 7 were enrolled, of whom seventeen completed the study. They received five training sessions per week over five weeks of conventional gait training with (experimental group) or without (control group) the inclusion of RAGT. The patients were prospectively evaluated before and after the first treatment session and, after the crossover phase, before and after the second treatment session. The evaluation was based on the 25-foot walk test (25FW, main outcome), 6 min walk test (6MWT), Tinetti Test, Modified Ashworth Scale, and modified Motricity Index for lower limbs. We also measured disability parameters using Functional Independence Measure and Quality of Life Index, and instrumental kinematic and gait parameters: knee extensor strength, double-time support, step length ratio; 17 patients reached the final evaluation. Results: Both groups significantly improved on gait parameters, motor abilities, and autonomy recovery in daily living activities with generally better results of RAGT over control treatment. In particular, the RAGT group improved more than control group in the 25FW (p = 0.004) and the 6MWT (p = 0.022). Conclusions: RAGT is a valid treatment option that in association with physiotherapy could induce positive effects in MS-correlated gait disorders. Our results showed greater effectiveness in recovering gait speed and resistance than conventional gait training.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 410-417
Author(s):  
Eun-Ju Song ◽  
Eun-Jung Lee ◽  
Hae-Yeon Kwon

The purpose of this study was to investigate the static and dynamic balance and body activities after administering a trunk stability exercise program using a sling for children with spastic cerebral palsy of Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III–IV. This study was conducted based on a quasi-experimental study design. Six of the study participants were assigned to the control group and six were assigned to the experimental group using simple random sampling. Both groups underwent a double-blind clinical trial study in which exercise therapy was performed for 40 min twice a week for 8 weeks. The experimental group underwent the sling exercise program and the control group underwent neuro-developmental treatment. The results showed that static and dynamic balance were significantly different before and after intervention in both the experimental and control groups (P<0.05), and there was also a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). Gross motor function and activities of daily life showed significant improvement before and after intervention in the experimental group (P<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference in the control group (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). Therefore, the sling exercise program can be used as an effective treatment for improving balance and physical activity in children with cerebral palsy of GMFCS levels III–IV who have difficulty walking. In addition, such exercise will have a positive impact on the independence of such children and help them to participate in social activities.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yon Ju Sim ◽  
Dong Ryul Lee ◽  
Chung Hwi Yi ◽  
Heon Seock Cynn

Background/aims Both upper and lower limbs interact through neural coupling. Such interconnection leads to rhythmic interlimb coordination, which affects the central pattern generator for the lower limbs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of repetitive intensive arm swing indirect gait training on muscle activity and gait parameters in children with cerebral palsy. Methods A total of 9 children with cerebral palsy were recruited for 20 sessions of repetitive intensive arm swing indirect gait training. They were tested before and after completion of this training using surface electromyography, spatiotemporal gait parameters assessments and clinical tests. A paired t-test was used to investigate differences in participants' vasti and hamstring activity, spatiotemporal gait parameters, and clinical test results before and after the training. Results Participants' vasti muscle activity increased significantly after the repetitive intensive arm swing indirect gait training, but there was no significant change in their hamstring muscles. However, spatiotemporal gait parameters and clinical motor function improved significantly. Conclusions Repetitive intensive arm swing indirect gait training may be suitable as an effective exercise in gait training programmes for children with cerebral palsy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 9-12
Author(s):  
Gaurang Dilip Kumar Pabani ◽  
Rajeshri Rajendra Mehta ◽  
Pramod Chandulal Shah

Background: To assess the effects of injection of citicoline in combination with physiotherapy versus physiotherapy alone, to advance the functional outcome in paediatric patients with cerebral palsy. Subjects & Methods: A total of 150 paediatric patients diagnosed with cerebral palsy were incorporated into the study. The average age of the patient included in the study was found to be 36 months. All the patients enrolled in the study were referred to the paediatric neurological department. Results: The mean age of the patient was 36 10 months. Out of the 150 total patients, 60% were boys and 40% were girls. When the percentage of improvement was compared between the groups, the study group was established to be statistically significant. (P = 0.02). Conclusion: Citicoline is efficient and secure in the treatment of gross motor function combination with physiotherapy in patients with cerebral palsy. Physical therapy is frequently the first move in managing cerebral palsy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Hatem H Allam ◽  
Abdulrahman J Almalki ◽  
Lamiaa K Elsayyad

Background/aims Extracorporeal shockwave therapy might be a considerable substitute to present treatment alternatives to reduce spasticity and improve range of motion in patients with cerebral palsy, which could improve their quality of life and gait pattern. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of extracorporeal shockwave therapy on gait parameters in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Methods A total of 34 children with spastic diplegia (19 boys and 15 girls) participated in the study. Their ages ranged from 5–7 years (mean 5.8 ± standard deviation 1.2 years). They were randomly assigned into two equal groups, the study and the control group. Both groups received the traditional physiotherapy programme, three sessions a week consecutively for 3 months. Children in the study group also received extracorporeal shockwave therapy one session a week for 3 months. Results There was a significant improvement of spasticity, step length and stride width in the control group (P=0.017, 0.015, 0.033 respectively). Walking speed did not show a significant change in the control group (P=0.1). In the study group, there was a significant improvement in spasticity, stride length, stride width, and walking speed (P=0.0001, 0.005, 0.029, 0.014 respectively). Comparing the gained improvement in the study and the control group, the results showed that the improvement in the study group significantly exceeded that of the control group in spasticity, stride length, stride width and walking speed (P=0.0003, 0.011, 0.043, 0.002 respectively). Conclusions Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is effective in reducing spasticity and improving gait patterns in children with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samar Sami Ibrahim ◽  
Emam Hassan EL-Negmy ◽  
Amina Salem Hindawii ◽  
Nahla M. Ibrahim

Abstract Background Adequate and efficient standing postural balance is key for functional walking and handling abilities in children with spastic diplegia. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of kinesiotape applied on ankle dorsiflexor muscles on balance in children with spastic diplegia. Thirty children with spastic diplegia of both genders participated in the study: 16 boys and 14 girls between 4 and 10 years old. They were divided randomly and equally into two groups: a control group, in which children received the standard physical therapy program for children with diplegia; and the study group, who received the same physical therapy program as in the control group but after kinesiotape application over the ankle dorsiflexor muscles. Both groups received the treatment program for 1 h, three times per week, for three successive months. Postural stability was assessed through evaluation of three stability index (anteroposterior, mediolateral, and overall) for all children by the Biodex Balance System before and after treatment. Results Statistical analysis of results before and after treatment was performed by mixed MANOVA to compare effects both within and between groups on stability indexes, and post hoc tests were carried out for subsequent multiple comparison. The level of significance for all statistical tests was set at p < 0.05. Before treatment, there was no significant difference in the stability index between both groups (p > 0.05). Comparison between both groups post-treatment revealed a significant decrease in the measured variables of the study group compared with that of the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion Adding ankle kinesiotaping over dorsiflexor muscles in conjunction with a balance and gait training exercise program for children with diplegia can enhance postural stability and decrease sway. This study suggests that it should be added to the treatment program for children with diplegia. Trial registration This study was registered retroactively. Identifier: NCT04243928


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