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Published on: June 12, 2019
Functional stretching exercise submitted for spastic diplegic children: a randomized control study
Mohamed Ali Elshafey1, Adel Abd-Elaziem2, Rana Elmarzouki Gouda3
1Department of Physical Therapy for Growth and Developmental Disorder in Children and Its Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt.
Insights
Functional stretching exercises significantly improved spastic diplegic children's gait and muscle function. This physical therapy approach enhanced the H/M ratio and popliteal angle, aiding rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Spastic diplegic children often experience motor impairments affecting gait and muscle function.
- Traditional physical therapy programs may not fully address the complex needs of these children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of functional stretching exercises in improving motor function in spastic diplegic children.
- To compare the effects of functional stretching versus traditional passive stretching on gait parameters and muscle characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Thirty ambulant spastic diplegic children (aged 5-8 years) were randomized into a study group (functional stretching) and a control group (passive stretching).
- Both groups received physical therapy for 3 months, 3 times weekly.
- Evaluations included the H/M ratio, popliteal angle, and gait parameters before and after the intervention.
Main Results:
- The study group demonstrated significant improvements in all measured variables compared to the control group.
- Functional stretching led to a reduction in the H/M ratio, indicating improved muscle control.
- An increase in the popliteal angle and enhanced gait parameters were observed in the functional stretching group.
Conclusions:
- Functional stretching exercises are an effective component of rehabilitation for spastic diplegic children.
- This approach positively impacts muscle excitability, joint mobility, and overall gait performance.
- Functional stretching offers a promising therapeutic strategy for improving functional outcomes in pediatric neurological conditions.
Abstract:
Objective. Studying the effect of the functional stretching exercise in diplegic children. Design. Children were randomly assigned into two matched groups. Setting. Outpatient Clinic of the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University. Participants. Thirty ambulant spastic diplegic children, ranging in age from five to eight years, participated in this study. Interventions. The control group received physical therapy program with traditional passive stretching exercises. The study group received physical therapy program with functional stretching exercises. The treatment was performed for two hours per session, three times weekly for three successive months. Main Outcome Measure(s). H∖M ratio, popliteal angle, and gait parameters were evaluated for both groups before and after treatment. Results. There was significant improvement in all the measuring variables for both groups in favor of study group. H∖M ratio was reduced, popliteal angle was increased, and gait was improved. Conclusion(s). Functional stretching exercises were effectively used in rehabilitation of spastic diplegic children; it reduced H∖M ratio, increased popliteal angle, and improved gait.
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