Analyzing the Effect of Functional Trunk Training on Upper and Lower Limb Motor Function in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Brief Summary

Detailed Description

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a condition caused by a lesion occurred in immature brain during prenatal, natal or postnatal period. Children with CP may have motor, cognitive, sensory, auditory, behavioral problems during their lifespan. Spastic type CP is most common type of CP and many children with spastic CP have both trunk and limb impairment. Physiotherapy is very important for improving motor function and protect from secondary impairments in this children and should start as early as possible. The aim of this study is to analyze if trunk training has effects on trunk, upper and lower extremity motor function in children with spastic CP. 38 children with spastic CP between 4-18 years age are included in this study. Both genders are included. The Participants randomized according to their gross motor function classification system levels and their age. Before intervention all groups assessed with assessment tools which assess muscle spasticity, balance, gross motor function, trunk control and walking characteristics. After randomization there wasn't any intervention for control group; they continued their regular physiotherapy in special education centers two times a week. Study group received trunk training two times a week in addition to their regular physiotherapy in special education centers during 8 weeks. After 8 weeks all groups assessed with the same assessment tools.

Primary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes

• Change in daily living activities and participation over time assessed with Child Health Questionary Parent Form 50.(At baseline and 8 weeks after baseline)
• Change in gross motor function over time assessed with Gross Motor Function Measurement(At baseline and 8 weeks after baseline)
• Change in upper extremity skills over time assessed with Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test(At baseline and 8 weeks after baseline)
• Change in walking speed over time assessed with 1 Minute Walk Test(At baseline and 8 weeks after baseline)
• Change in muscle activation over time assessed with Surface Electromyography.(At baseline and 8 weeks after baseline)
• Change in muscle spasticity over time assessed with Modified Tardieu Scale.(At baseline and 8 weeks after baseline)
• Change in balance over time assessed with Pediatric Balance Scale(At baseline and 8 weeks after baseline)
• Change in independence level over time assessed with Functional Independence Measure for Kids(At baseline and 8 weeks after baseline)
• Change in loco motion over time assessed with Gillette Functional Assessment Scale(At baseline and 8 weeks after baseline)
• Change in walking parameters over time assessed with Physicians Rating Scale(At baseline and 8 weeks after baseline)
• Change in functional loco motion over time assessed with Timed Up and Go Test(At baseline and 8 weeks after baseline)
• Change in impact of having a disabled child on family over time assessed with Impact on Family Scale(At baseline and 8 weeks after baseline)