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Reducing spasticity to control muscle contracture of children with cerebral palsy
J Nash1, P D Neilson, N J O'Dwyer
1Spastic Centre of New South Wales, Australia.
Insights
This study adapted a biofeedback training technique for children with spastic diplegia, successfully reducing spasticity in two out of three participants. The method uses video games to control muscle stretch reflex sensitivity and is suitable for children as young as four.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Spasticity in cerebral palsy can lead to contractures, impacting motor function.
- Biofeedback training has shown success in managing spasticity in adults.
Observation:
- A novel biofeedback technique using visual muscle stretch reflex sensitivity feedback via video games was adapted for pediatric patients.
- The intervention was applied to three children with spastic diplegia at risk for contractures.
Findings:
- Two of the three pediatric participants demonstrated significantly reduced gastrocnemius muscle spasticity after a 10-week training program.
- The biofeedback technique effectively lowered muscle stretch reflex sensitivity through gameplay.
Implications:
- This adapted biofeedback method offers a potentially effective, inexpensive, and accessible treatment for childhood spasticity.
- The technique can be administered by parents under physiotherapist supervision, making it suitable for home-based therapy.
- Early intervention with this method may help prevent contractures and improve motor outcomes in children with cerebral palsy.
Abstract:
A biofeedback training technique to control spasticity, previously successful with adults with cerebral palsy, was adapted for three children with spastic diplegia at risk for contractures. Visual feedback of muscle stretch reflex sensitivity is provided by video games, which are played by reducing reflex sensitivity. After a 10-week training period two of the three children had significantly reduced spasticity in the gastrocnemius muscle. The technique can be used with children as young as four years, is inexpensive, and can be carried out by parents with supervision by a physiotherapist.