The influence of trunk control training on motor function and the ability in the activities of daily living of patients with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Objective To observe the influence of trunk control training on motor function and the ability of cerebral palsy (CP) patients in the activities of daily living (ADL).Methods Forty patients with CP were randomly divided into a treatment group (n =20) and a control group (n =20).Both groups were treated with routine rehabilitation,while the treatment group also received trunk control training.All patients were assessed with function ambulation category (FAC) classification,time to walk 10 m,the Berg balance scale (BBS),and the modified Barthel index (MBI) at the beginning and eight weeks later.Results Before the intervention there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of any of the assessments.Eight weeks later,all the assessment scores were significantly better in the treatment group than in the control group.Conclusion Trunk control training can significantly improve motor function and the ADL ability of patients with CP. Key words: Cerebral palsy; Motor function; Activities of daily living; Trunk control