Effect of Strengthening Exercises of Shoulder Muscles on Hand Functions in Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsied Children

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effect of strengthening exercises of shoulder muscles on hand functions in spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsied children. Methods: The study was carried out on thirty spastic hemiplegic children of both sexes (15 females and 15 males) divided into equal groups A and B. Their age ranged from six to ten years old. The muscular strength of shoulder flexors and extensors were evaluated by Biodex isokinetic dynamometer. Their hand functions were evaluated by using Peadody developmental motor scales(PDMS).prior and after six months of rehabilitation program. Group A received the traditional physiotherapy program. While group B received strengthening exercises program for shoulder muscles in addition to the traditional physiotherapy program . Results: Patients of group (B) improved in age equivalent of grasping by 42.4% with SD 1.27±0.46, Values of peak torque (flexion) improved 8.9 with SD 10.29±1.04 and values of peak torque (extension) improved 1.57 with SD 9.92±0.63 Conclusion: The study showed significant improvement in group B more than group A. for age equivalent of grasping and peak torque of flexors and extensors of shoulder muscles.