Effect of Neuro Developmental Therapy Based Trunk Protocol on Gross Motor Development of Sitting Posture and Functional Reach Ability in Cerebralpalsychildren

Abstract

Introduction: Trunk muscle co-activation that is necessary for development of sitting postural control is delayed in cerebral palsy children which is a common developmental disability that is caused by to brain damage before, during (or) after birth, prevalence of cerebral palsy is 3.3 per 1000 (or) 1 in 303 children are affected by C.P. Damage to Brain motor control centers, leading to impairment of abnormal posture and movement which may change as child grows resulting in developmental delay and give rise to importance of rehabilitation for correction of impairment. AIM: To know the efficacy of NDT based trunk protocol on Gross motor function in children with Cerebral palsy. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of NDT Trunk protocol on sitting postural control by GMFM and functional reach test. Methodology: 30 C.P Children were divided in to the groups, Group 1 received NDT Trunk Coactivation protocol (n=15). It contains Trunk (Sagittal) flexion - extension, side flexion and weight shifts (Frontal) and Trunk Rotations (Transverse) for a period of 30-45 minutes for 4 weeks. Group 2 received conventional physiotherapy with activities for a period of 30-45 min, for 4 weeks. Statistical analysis: Unpaired t-test has been carried out to observe the treatment impact between groups before and after the treatment. Results: After 4 weeks treatment period, subjects in group 1 (NDT Trunk protocol) compared with subjects in group II (conventional therapy) had a statistically significant improvement with outcome measures at 0.05 level Conclusion: NDT trunk activation protocol was found to be effective in improving sitting postural control and helps in enhancing functional reach ability in cerebral palsy children.