Effect of vibrotactile stimulation on motor performance in a child with cerebral palsy: A case study

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to report unexpected quick and highly effective result of vibrotactile stimulation on gross motor ability in a child with cerebral palsy. This is a 9-year-old male child with sensory motor disorder. Gross motor function classification system level classified as V. On somatosensory examination and sensory profile caregiver questionnaire, the child had tactile hypersensitivity. Outcomes were assessed using gross motor function measure (GMFM). For the first 4 weeks, child was given sensory stimulation with different texture (soft to hard) + neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT). For another 4 weeks, sensory stimulation was added with vibration + soft to hard texture + NDT. Vibration of 50-60 Hz was given for 10 min for 6 days/week on the sole of foot, ankle, and knee joint. There was minimal motor improvement in the first 4 weeks of hard and soft texture stimulation combined with NDT. Following this, an another 4 weeks of vibrotactile stimulation showed appreciable improvement in the dimensions A, B, C, and D, of GMFM (pre: 28.97%, post: 33.20%). Vibrotactile stimulation helps to decrease tactile hypersensitivity in children with cerebral palsy and thus improves gross motor function abilities in 4-week period.