Abstract

Background and Purpose. Despite the well-known benefits of whole body vibration and pulsed magnetic field on bone density in spastic diplegic children, none of the former studies had evaluated the difference between both techniques on bone density in spastic diplegic children. Therefore the aim of this study was to evaluate the difference between whole body vibration and pulsed magnetic field during the application of a selected exercises program on bone density in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Materials and Methods. Thirty spastic diplegic children participated in this study. They were classified randomly into two groups of equal numbers, group A and group B. DEXA was used to evaluate bone density and muscle lean in the two groups before and after three successive months of application of the treatment programs. Group A received whole body vibration and selected exercises program. Group B received the same exercises program given to group A plus pulsed magnetic field. Results. Comparing The pre-treatment results revealed non significant difference in all the measuring variables between the two groups. In comparing the pre and post-treatment results for both groups revealed significant improvement in all measured variables. Post treatment results between two groups show no difference. Conclusion. It can be concluded that, whole body vibration and pulsed magnetic field can be considered as an effective modality in improving bone mineral density and can be used safely in the treatment program of spastic diplegic cerebral palsied children.

Key words:

cerebral palsy, diplegia, bone density, whole body vibration, pulsed magnetic field