Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of action observation training on spasticity, gross motor function, and balance in children with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy. Eighteen children with cerebral palsy participated in this study. The participants were randomized into the action observation training group (n = 9) and a control group (n = 9). The action observation training group repeatedly practiced the action with their motor skills, while the control group practiced conventional physical therapy. Both groups received 30 min sessions, 3 days a week, for 6 weeks. To confirm the effects of intervention, the spasticity, gross motor function measurement (GMFM), and pediatric reaching test (PRT) were evaluated. The results showed that in the plantar flexor contracture test of both sides, the Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS) of the right side of knee joints, GMFM-B, C, and D were significantly increased between pre- and post-intervention within both groups (p < 0.05). PRT was significantly increased between pre- and post-intervention within the both groups (p < 0.05), and there was a significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.05). These results suggest that action observation training is both feasible and beneficial for improving spasticity, gross motor function, and balance in children with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy.
Highlights
Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive disorder that affects the development of the brain of fetuses or infants, and presents as limited activity, movement, and postural disorders [1]
The participants of this study were selected from 30 children who were diagnosed with diplegia cerebral palsy and undergoing physical therapy at K-hospital and E-center in Seoul
Changes in spasticity before and after training were confirmed by an ankle joint test and knee joint Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS)
Summary
Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive disorder that affects the development of the brain of fetuses or infants, and presents as limited activity, movement, and postural disorders [1]. Cerebral palsy leads to limits in balance due to muscle weakness in skeletal muscles, excessive reflexes, simultaneous contraction of agonist and antagonist muscles, delayed response of the ankle muscles, and shrink posture [4]. In cerebral palsy, when balance is affected, it increases compensation usage of the upper extremities, which is followed by restricted movement of the upper limbs. This may cause limitation in the function of the upper extremities [5], performance, and learning activities of daily life, as well as problems in movement and a limitation of social roles and community participation [6]
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