Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ankle joint mobilization in children with cerebral palsy (CP) to ankle range of motion (ROM), gait, and standing balance. We recruited 32 children (spastic diplegia) diagnosed with CP and categorized them in two groups: the ankle joint mobilization (n = 16) group and sham joint mobilization (n = 16) group. Thus, following a six-week ankle joint mobilization, we examined measures such as passive ROM in ankle dorsiflexion in the sitting and supine position, center of pressure (COP) displacements (sway length, area) with eyes open (EO) and closed (EC), and a gait function test (timed up and go test (TUG) and 10-m walk test). The dorsiflexion ROM, TUG, and 10-m walk test significantly increased in the mobilization group compared to the control group. Ankle joint mobilization can be regarded as a promising method to increase dorsiflexion and improve gait in CP-suffering children.
Highlights
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive upper motor neuron lesion where common motor disability occurs
Ankle joint mobilization can be regarded as a promising method to increase dorsiflexion and improve gait in CP-suffering children
This study found that ankle joint mobilization to improve ankle movements increased ankle range of motion (ROM)
Summary
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive upper motor neuron lesion where common motor disability occurs. Other manifestations of CP, such as loss of posture control and lack of movement, may result in the development of musculoskeletal problem [1,2]. These problems arise because of spasticity and occurs in the hip, knee, and ankle joints [3]. The limited ankle joint movement in children with CP are closely related to gait and balance performance [7,8]. The improvement of balance and gait ability regarding ankle function is one of the goals in rehabilitation for the musculoskeletal problems of children with CP [9,10]
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