Tag: cerebral palsy

The impact of Vojta therapy on the level of functional independence in children with cerebral palsy

Aleksandra Szynal, Martyna Brychcy, Anna Mickiewicz

Aleksandra Szynal, Martyna Brychcy, Anna Mickiewicz – The impact of Vojta therapy on the level of functional independence in children with cerebral palsy –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2026; 26(1); 84-92

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG2EFACOZI

Abstract
Aim of the Study. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of an intensive, week-long rehabilitation program based on Vojta therapy on the level of functional independence in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
Material and Methods. The study involved 20 children aged 1 to 6 years, diagnosed with CP and classified as level III or IV according to the GMFCS scale. Each child underwent Vojta therapy three times a day for 50 minutes over the course of a week. The effects were assessed before and after the rehabilitation program using the GMFM-66 and WeeFIM scales. The study employed a pre–post design without a control group. No parallel observation of a control group was conducted and the analysis assessed within-subject changes in the same cohort of children before and after the intervention.
Results. Statistical analysis showed a significant increase in total scores on both scales (GMFM-66 and WeeFIM) after the therapy. In the studied group of children with cerebral palsy, the average GMFM-66 score increased by 5.4%, and the WeeFIM score by 4.18% following a week-long rehabilitation program based on Vojta therapy. The greatest improvements were observed in domains related to more complex motor activities.
Conclusions. In the studied group of children with cerebral palsy, a short-term improvement in gross motor function and functional independence was observed following the completion of an intensive, one-week rehabilitation program based on Vojta therapy. Due to the lack of a control group and the continued use of Vojta therapy outside the intensive rehabilitation program, it is not possible to unequivocally attribute the observed effects solely to short-term intensive intervention. The results should be interpreted in the context of a comprehensive rehabilitation process.
Key words
Vojta therapy, cerebral palsy, functional independence
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Quality of life, level of independence and pain symptoms in adult patients with cerebral palsy treated with the Vojta method – case reports

Edyta Ciesielska, Michał Olba, Anna Mickiewicz

Edyta Ciesielska, Michał Olba, Anna Mickiewicz – Quality of life, level of independence and pain symptoms in adult patients with cerebral palsy treated with the Vojta method – case reports –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(5); 66-75

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZGA431F2A6

Abstract
Aim of the study. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of Vojta therapy on the quality of life, level of independence and pain symptoms in adult patients with cerebral palsy (CP).
Basic assumptions. Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders caused by damage to the developing brain during the prenatal and neonatal periods, affecting motor development, muscle tone, and posture. Motor disorders in CP are often accompanied by sensory, perceptual, cognitive, communication, and behavioral disorders, as well as epilepsy. Despite advances in prenatal and perinatal care, the overall prevalence of CP has remained stable over the past 40 years. The functional abilities of adults with CP in daily life depend on the severity of symptoms and the presence of any comorbid conditions. These individuals can function with full independence in daily activities, partial dependence, or require round-the-clock care. Pain is one of the most frequently reported problems by adults with CP and negatively impacts their functioning.
One of the leading therapeutic approaches used in the treatment of CP is the Vojta method. This therapy has been successfully used for many years in children with CP, as well as in healthy adults and adults with multiple sclerosis. However, no one has yet evaluated the possibility of its application in adults with CP. Therefore, the authors of this article attempted to apply elements of the Vojta therapy in adult patients with CP and assess its potential impact on their quality of life, level of independence, and pain symptoms.
Key words
quality of life, level of independence, pain symptoms, cerebral palsy, Vojta therapy
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Functional outcome of mirror therapy versus task oriented training on hand function in children with unilateral cerebral palsy

Eman Wagdy, Marwa Taher Mohamed, Mariam Abdel Rahman Mohamed, Mai Abdelghani Eid, Marian Mamdouh Fayez

Eman Wagdy, Marwa Taher Mohamed, Mariam Abdel Rahman Mohamed, Mai Abdelghani Eid, Marian Mamdouh Fayez – Functional outcome of mirror therapy versus task oriented training on hand function in children with unilateral cerebral palsy –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2024; 24(4); 343-350

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG01A8T4V2

Abstract
Background. Unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP) is a kind of spastic cerebral palsy which is characterized by atypical posture of upper limb, poor eye-hand coordination, and reduced hand skills. These symptoms can restrict a child’s ability to engage in life activities. Purpose. To compare the effectiveness of mirror therapy as well as task-oriented training on hand functions improvement among UCP children. Methods. Sixty children suffering from UCP were randomly allocated into three equal groups. A schemed physical therapy protocol was utilized to the control, mirror therapy (MT), and task-oriented training (TOT) groups. The protocols of mirror therapy and task-oriented training were administered to MT and TOT groups respectively. Assessments of upper extremity skills, hand dexterity, wrist extension range of motion, along with overall grip strength were conducted at baseline and after intervention using the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST), Box and Block Test (BBT), universal goniometer, as well as pneumatic squeeze handheld dynamometer respectively. Throughout a total of twelve consecutive weeks, the intervention session was held three days a week. Results. The change amount in all measured hand outcomes were significantly improved following the intervention in all three groups, with the TOT group showing a larger significant effect. Conclusion. Task-oriented training had superior impact than mirror therapy in enhancing hand functions among children having UCP.
Keywords
cerebral palsy, hand functions, mirror therapy, task-oriented training
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Effect of whole-body vibration training on leg venous properties in children

Andrzej Szopa, Ilona Kwiecień-Czerwieniec, Andrzej Siwiec, Małgorzata Domagalska-Szopa

 

Andrzej Szopa, Ilona Kwiecień-Czerwieniec, Andrzej Siwiec, Małgorzata Domagalska-Szopa – Effect of whole-body vibration training on leg venous properties in children –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2024; 24(3); 202-209

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG020AHL1

Abstract:
Introduction. The aim of the conducted study was to evaluate the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) training in children with cerebral palsy (CP) on venous circulation in the lower limbs.
Material and Methods. The study was conducted among 13 children with CP aged 7–11 years. A reference group of 13 healthy peers matched for age and gender was also included. Doppler ultrasound of the femoral and popliteal veins of both lower limbs was performed for all subjects. The following parameters were obtained: 1) flow velocity for the femoral vein and 2) flow velocity for the popliteal vein. In children with CP, the examination was repeated after completing a two-week therapy using WBV.
Results. The results suggest that venous circulation in the lower limbs of children with CP may be of lower quality compared to their healthy peers. Additionally, the findings confirm that WBV reduces spasticity in children with CP. WBV improves the parameters of peripheral venous circulation in the lower limbs of children with CP.
Conclusion. To fully assess the impact of vibration training on venous flow quality in the lower limb vessels in children with CP, it will be necessary to expand the study group to a representative sample, including children with CP at different functional levels (GMFCS I-V) and varying degrees of spasticity in the lower limb muscles.

Keywords:
cerebral palsy, whole-body vibration, Doppler ultrasound, venous flow, lower limbs

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The feasibility and effect of robot-assisted gait training frequency on gait functions in children with cerebral palsy – A single blinded, randomized pilot study

Moza Obaid Saeed Alyahyaee, Jinwoong Cheong, Meeyoung Kim

Moza Obaid Saeed Alyahyaee, Jinwoong Cheong, Meeyoung Kim – The feasibility and effect of robot-assisted gait training frequency on gait functions in children with cerebral palsy – A single blinded, randomized pilot study –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2024; 24(1); 297-303

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG2EF8iRS

Abstract
Introduction. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility and the effect of Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) frequency on gait functions in children with diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). We hypothesized that RAGT with the increased frequency (4 times a week) will result in greater improvements than RAGT with the common frequency (2 times a week).
Material and methods. Fourteen participants with diplegic CP were assigned to two groups that received only RAGT at different frequencies. The treatment group (TG) received 24 sessions while the control group (CG) received only 12 sessions over 6 weeks. Gross motor function measure (GMFM) D, GMFM E, walking distance (6 minute-walk test), speed (10 meter-walk test), balance (Pediatric balance scale), and the quality of gait (Edinburgh visual gait score) were assessed. Data was collected twice, before and after RAGT intervention period. Also, the feasibility was assessed by the safety and the rates of recruitment, compliance, and adherence.
Result. There was significant improvement in GMFM D, GMFM E, walking distance, balance, and the quality of gait in both groups (p < 0.05). Walking speed has been significantly improved only in TG. The difference in the quality of gait is greater in TG (p < 0.01) compared to CG (p < 0.05). The recruitment rate was 70%. 100% of recruited participants complied with and adhered to the intervention. No adverse events were reported.
Conclusion. RAGT with the increased frequency could induce greater improvement in gait functions than RAGT with the common frequency in children with diplegic CP.
Keywords
rehabilitation, robotics, walking, cerebral palsy
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Virtual reality versus balance beam on walking performance in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled comparative trial

Mohanad M. Madboly, Khaled A. Olama, Hamada E. Ayoub, Doha H. Al-Afify, Doaa Saeed, Walaa A. Abd El-Nabie

Mohanad M. Madboly, Khaled A. Olama, Hamada E. Ayoub, Doha H. Al-Afify, Doaa Saeed, Walaa A. Abd El-Nabie – Virtual reality versus balance beam on walking performance in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled comparative trial –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2024; 24(1); 222-228

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG2EF8E30

Abstract
Background. Virtual reality and balancing beam are widely acknowledged as a highly successful approach for improving balance as well as walking performance among children suffering from hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Purpose. The aim of this study was to compare between the impact of virtual reality and balance beam on walking performance (balance and functional walking capacity) in children with hemiplegic CP. Subjects and methods. A total of seventy-five children with hemiplegic CP, comprising 31 boys and 44 girls, aged between 7 and 11 years of both genders, were included in this study. The participants were allocated randomly into three groups (n = 25), A (control group) and B, C (study groups). All children received designed physical therapy programs based on neurodevelopmental technique, in addition to balance and gait training exercises for control group A, virtual reality training for group B and balance beam training for group C. The treatment program was administered to each group three times weekly for three consecutive months, lasting one hour each session. All children were examined clinically pre- and post-treatment using HUMAC balance and tilt system, and 6- minutes walking test (6mWT) to assess balance, walking functional capacity respectively. Results. There was a significant improvement in balance and 6MWT of three groups post treatment when contrasted with that pretreatment (p < 0.001). Furthermore, group B and C’s measured variables showed a substantial improvement over group A’s when compared (p < 0.01), while group B and C did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). Conclusions. Virtual reality and balance beam training have an effective influence on the improvement of balance and walking performance.
Keywords
balance beam, cerebral palsy, functional walking capacity, hemiplegic, virtual reality
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Sensory processing abilities in relation to motor capabilities in children with different types of cerebral palsy

Amal Abdelwahab Youssef, Amira Mohamed Eltohamy, Kamal Elsayed Shokry, Engi E.Sarhan, Nesma EM. Barakat

Amal Abdelwahab Youssef, Amira Mohamed Eltohamy, Kamal Elsayed Shokry, Engi E.Sarhan, Nesma EM. Barakat – Sensory processing abilities in relation to motor capabilities in children with different types of cerebral palsy –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2024; 24(1); 173-181

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG2EF88A7

Abstract
Background and purpose. Children with cerebral palsy have sensory processing issues as well as motor problems, which lead to severe developmental disability. In this study, we aimed to assess correlation between sensory processing abilities and motor capabilities in children with cerebral palsy and assess the effect of cerebral palsy types on sensory processing abilities and motor capabilities.
Materials and methods. One hundred cerebral palsy children of both sex were included in the study; their age ranged from 4-10 years old were selected from pediatric rehabilitation out clinic of faculty of Physical Therapy Cairo University, fulfilling inclusion criteria. All children were assessed by Short sensory profile: to measure sensory processing ability, Gross Motor Function Classification System: to measure the gross motor skills and Manual Ability Classification System: to measure the fine motor skills.
Result. there was a significant correlation between GMFCS, MACS and the total score of SSP as well as Low energy weak, tactile sensitivity score, taste smell sensitivity, Movement sensitivity, and Under-responsive seeks sensation (P ≤ 0.05*). There was no significant correlations between both auditory filtering and Visual-auditory sensitivity with GMFCS and MACS (P = 0.676 and 0.266, respectively). There was statistical variation among different CP types regarding SSP and motor assessment (P ≤ 0.05*).
Conclusion. the study showed: sensory processing abilities effect on motor capabilities in children with cerebral palsy.
Keywords
sensory processing abilities, motor capabilities, cerebral palsy
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Improved hand muscle ability after 6 weeks of squeezing a tennis ball exercise in children with spastic cerebral palsy

Irmantara Subagio, Nengteng Manik, Rahmat Putra Perdana, Putra Sastaman B, Erna Yantiningsih, Raja Mohammed Firhad Raja Azidin, Slamet Raharjo

 

Irmantara Subagio, Nengteng Manik, Rahmat Putra Perdana, Putra Sastaman B, Erna Yantiningsih, Raja Mohammed Firhad Raja Azidin, Slamet Raharjo – Improved hand muscle ability after 6 weeks of squeezing a tennis ball exercise in children with spastic cerebral palsy –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2024; 24(1); 73-77

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG2EF8753

Abstract
Children with cerebral palsy tend to be less physically fit compared to typically developing peers. This is mainly due to the lack of physical activity and exercise during their childhood. If adolescents and adults with cerebral palsy don’t get enough exercise, it could result in reduced mobility and physical fitness. It is very important to start treatment for cerebral palsy when the child is young. The goal of this research was to investigate how children with spastic cerebral palsy might benefit from enhancing their hand muscle functioning by squeezing a sponge tennis ball during hand-strengthening exercises. The study implemented a true experimental design with a pre-and post-test control group. This methodology allowed for a rigorous and systematic investigation, ensuring reliable and valid results. Twelve boys between the ages of 15 and 17 who were all diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy participated in sponge tennis ball gripping exercises as part of a program of intervention. A 30-minute workout of sponge tennis ball squeezing involves 4-6 sets of 15-20 repetitions with passive rests of 30 seconds. The prescribed regimen involves conducting the exercise four times per week for six weeks. Before and after the intervention, the Hand Grip Dynamometer was used to assess the hand muscle strength of children with spastic-type cerebral palsy. Data analysis techniques were applied using the independent samples t-test with a significant level of 5%. The results showed the average muscle strength of the right hand after the intervention between control vs. experiment (4.36 ± 1.35 kg vs. 34.16 ± 3.34 kg (p = 0.000)), the average muscle strength of the left hand after the intervention between control vs. experiment (2.31 ± 0.49 kg vs. 30.18 ± 2.08 kg (p = 0.000)). The findings of the research suggest that engaging in frequent tennis ball gripping exercises, conducted on a frequency of four sessions per week over a duration of six weeks, may yield notable improvements in the hand muscle functionality of children diagnosed with spastic-type cerebral palsy. The findings suggest that including these activities in treatment, procedures may provide significant value for persons with this particular illness.
Keywords
cerebral palsy, children, spastic type, tennis ball exercise
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Effect of Minds in Motion program on vestibular function and balance in children with hemiplegia: A randomized controlled study

Dina Mohammed Mustafa Abdelhamid, Emam Hassan El Negmy, Hoda Ishac AbuMoussa, Samah Attia El Shemy


Dina Mohammed Mustafa Abdelhamid, Emam Hassan El Negmy, Hoda Ishac AbuMoussa, Samah Attia El Shemy – Effect of Minds in Motion program on vestibular function and balance in children with hemiplegia: A randomized controlled study. Fizjoterapia Polska 2022; 22(3); 170-178

Abstract
Purpose. To investigate the effect of Minds in Motion (MiM) program on vestibular function and dynamic balance in children with hemiplegia.
Methods. Thirty children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) of both genders with age ranged from 6-12 years were randomly assigned into two groups of equal number; Group (A) (control group), received specially designed physical therapy program for 3 months, Group (B) (study group), received MiM vestibular exercise program in addition to the specially designed physical therapy program given to the control group for 3 months. Vestibular functions and stability indices were assessed for all children before and after treatment using cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs) device and biodex balance system (BBS) respectively.
Results. The results of the present study showed statistically significant improvement within both groups when comparing their pre and post-treatment mean values of stability indices and VEMP amplitude. Post-treatment significant improvement was also observed in the amplitude asymmetry ratio (AAR) in the study group compared with the pre-treatment mean values while no significant change was detected in the control group. Also, no significant changes were detected in P1, and N1 latencies in both groups after treatment. Statistically significant differences were observed in all measured variables between both groups in favor of the study group while there was no significant difference between both groups when comparing the post-treatment mean values of P1 and N1 latencies.
Conclusion. Minds in motion program is an effective modality that can be used for improving the vestibular functions and balance capabilities in children with hemiplegic CP.

Key words:
cerebral palsy, hemiplegia, minds in motion, vestibular function, balance

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Body composition and spasticity in children with bilateral cerebral palsy

Lawia Szkoda, Andrzej Szopa, Ilona Kwiecień-Czerwieniec, Małgorzata Domagalska-Szopa


Lawia Szkoda, Andrzej Szopa, Ilona Kwiecień-Czerwieniec, Małgorzata Domagalska-Szopa – Body composition and spasticity in children with bilateral cerebral palsy. Fizjoterapia Polska 2022; 22(2); 174-185

Abstract
Objective. The objective of this study was to identify the correlation between body composition of children with cerebral palsy and the degree of spasticity in the muscles of the lower limbs.
Material and methods. The study included a group of 59 independently walking children aged 8 to 16 with spastic diplegia. The control group included 59 children without central movement disorders – students at Primary School No. 25 in Sosnowiec. The research included: 1) assessment of body composition and its components using the TANITA MC-780 S MA scale; 2) assessment of the degree of spasticity according to the modified Ashworth scale; 3) calculations of BMI indices in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and BMI OLAF developed by the Children’s Memorial Health Institute in Warsaw.
Results. The most severe spasticity, both in the right and left lower limbs, was observed in the extensors of the ankle joint. In turn, the mildest spasticity was observed in the group of flexors of the knee joint of the right and left lower limbs. The greater the degree of spasticity in the muscles of the lower limbs, the greater the deficit in fat-free mass and muscle mass in the lower limbs.
Conclusions. Children with CP have deficits in terms of muscle mass. The deficit of muscle tissue depends on the degree of spasticity of the proximal muscle groups of the lower limbs.
Key words:
body composition, spasticity, cerebral palsy
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