Effect of intrathoracic oscillations on pulmonary functions in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study was aimed at investigating the effects of intrathoracic oscillations on pulmonary function in children with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. MethodsThis study comprised 24 boys and girls 6–8 years of age with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. According to the modified Ashworth scale, the degree of spasticity was 2 to 2+. The children were able to sit independently and follow instructions. The children were randomly divided into a study group and control group. A spirometer was used to examine each child before and after 6 weeks. Children in the control group received traditional chest physiotherapy (postural drainage and percussion), whereas children in the study group underwent quake device training. For 6 weeks, both groups received four sessions per week. After treatment, the results were collected. Paired t-test and independent-samples t-test were applied to compare the means for each group. p-values <0.05 were considered significant. ResultsThe post-treatment results of forced expiratory volume at 1 s, peak expiratory flow, forced vital capacity, and the ratio of forced expiratory volume at 1 s to forced vital capacity demonstrated significant differences favoring the study group over the control group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.002, and p = 0.023, respectively). ConclusionIntrathoracic oscillations may improve pulmonary function in children with quadriplegic cerebral palsy.