Effect of vibration in the treatment of children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy

Abstract

Cerebral palsy is one of the leading causes of movement and posture disorders. Recently, Vibration, as a treatment method in clinical practice has been used as a complementary approach. The aim of this intervention was to determine the effect of vibration in addition to conventional therapy on spasticity, range of motion and gross motor functions in children with cerebral palsy. A total of 20 children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (7-10 years old) were randomly divided into two equal groups (conventional therapy – Control group, and conventional therapy plus Vibration – Vibration group), and participated in a 3-week physiotherapy program. The same exercise program was prescribed for children of both groups; frequency of intervention ‒ five times a week, one session lasted for 45 min. Children in the vibration group apart from conventional therapy also received treatment on a special vibration equipment set at 15 Hz frequency. Ashwort scale was used to assess spasticity, goniometry – range of motion, and Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) 88 domain – to assess standing (D) and mobility (E – walking, jumping, and running) functions. Both interventions significantly increased range of motion, decreased spasticity in legs and improved standing and mobility functions (p< 0.05). No statistical differences were found between the two groups after interventions.