Stationary cycle training for improving lower limb muscle tension and motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy

Abstract

Objective To observe the effects of stationary cycle training on lower limb muscle tension and motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Methods Sixty-seven children with spastic cerebral palsy were divided into a treatment group (n=34) and a control group (n=33). Both were treated with routine rehabilitation therapy, including neurodevelopment treatment, massage and physical agent therapy. The treatment group additionally cycled on a stationary bicycle for 20 min a day, five days a week for 3 months. Muscle tension in the children's adductor, hamstring and gastrocnemius muscles was evaluated using the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), while the adductor angle, popliteal fossa angle and foot dorsiflexion angle were measured using a joint protractor. Moreover, the 88-item version of the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) was used to evaluate gross motor function. Results After treatment the average muscle tension of both groups was significantly lower than before treatment. The average muscle tension scores of the adductors, hamstrings and calf muscles of the treatment group [(1.79±0.54), (1.00±0.60), (2.29±1.77)] were significantly lower than those of the controls [(1.82±0.53), (1.15±0.44), (2.52±1.89)]. The adductor angles, popliteal fossa angles and foot dorsiflexion angles of both groups were significantly larger than before treatment, and the angles in the treatment group [(97.06±19.03)°, (53.38±12.54)° and (8.38±9.11 )° respectively] were significantly larger on average than those in the control [(98.94±21.42)°, (56.52±12.90 )° and ( 5.30±14.30)° respectively]. After treatment the total GMFM scores of both groups were better than before treatment, but the treatment group's average score(138.18±54.86) was significantly better than that of the control group(112.21±62.44). Conclusion Three months of stationary cycle training can effectively reduce the muscle tension of children with spastic cerebral palsy and improve their motor function. Key words: Cerebral palsy, spastic; Muscle tension; Joint motion range; Exercise therapy; Motor function; Stationary cycle training