The application of the Balance Trainer parapodium in the therapy of children with cerebral palsy
Agata Michalska, Jolanta Dudek, Mieczysława Bieniek, Anna Tarasow-Zych, Kamila Zawadzka
Agata Michalska, Jolanta Dudek, Mieczysława Bieniek, Anna Tarasow-Zych, Kamila Zawadzka – The application of the Balance Trainer parapodium in the therapy of children with cerebral palsy. Fizjoterapia Polska 2011; 11(3); 273-285
Abstract
Inconstant clinical image and functional state of patients with cerebral palsy as well as difficulties in achievements of intended therapy aims put forward the need for constant searching for new improvement methods by the physiotherapists. The Balance Trainer – static-dynamic parapodium equipped with Balance-Soft computer program – is the device which can be applied in the therapy and diagnostics of persons with cerebral palsy. The aim of the thesis is to estimate the possibilities to apply the Balance Trainer device in the therapy of the children with cerebral palsy. Children and youth (7 subjects) with different forms of ICP, assessed using GMFCS (levels I-IV) scale were qualified for the study. The subjects were initially examined using Balance Trainer parapodium. The tests involved assessment of gravity centre location (balance test), deflection test and the assessment of the ability to perform intended movements in the frontal and sagittal plane. Next, their posture was controlled in standing position and the initially performed tests were repeated. All the results were statistically analysed. In children with lower GMFCS levels (I-II) the treatment brought about better results than in these with higher levels of impairment (III-IV), although a therapeutic success was achieved in each case.Using the Balance Trainer device in the treatment of children with cerebral palsy one can improve both the postural control and movement coordination. The improvement level depends on the form of cerebral palsy and the functional deficiency.
Key words:
Cerebral Palsy, Postural control, static-dynamic parapodium
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