Current Pediatric Research

Background: Children with cerebral palsy have poor axial control which affects their walking capabilities. Although there are limited studies that demonstrate core stability training in cerebral palsy. Purpose: This study was conducted to examine the Effect of core stability exercises program on walking performance in children with diplegic cerebral palsy. Methods: Thirty children with spastic diplegia from both genders enrolled in the study; their ages ranged from seven to ten years, were able to ambulate (Level II or III GMFCS), had no convulsions and had no history of surgical interference in the last 6 months. Children who had any fixed contractures or convulsions were excluded from this study. They were assigned randomly into two groups of equal numbers. The control group A received the regular physical therapy program according to the neurodevelopmental approach. And the study group B received the regular physical therapy program according to the neurodevelopmental approach besides core stability exercises program. The clinical assessments performed in this study included a measure of endurance Energy Expenditure Index (EEI) and a functional gait measure (GMFM scores; walking, running and jumping item). Results: There were significant improvements in the measured variables in the study group B and significant difference between post treatment mean values (P<0.05) in favor to group B. Conclusion: Core stability exercises program can be used to improve walking performance and lower the energy expenditure in children with diplegic cerebral palsy.

Author(s): Doaa A Sanad*, Amira H Draz, Rania G Hegazy

Abstract | Full-Text | PDF

Share this