The effect of two therapeutic interventions on balance in children with spastic cerebral palsy: A comparative study

Postural control involves controlling the position of the body in space to achieve stability and orientation. Core stability is needed to improve balance and postural control. Whole-body vibration is a unique strategy for muscle strengthening in various clinical situations. This study compared the effects of whole-body vibration and a core stability program on balance in children with spastic cerebral palsy, with an intervention period of 12 weeks.

A total of 72 children with spastic cerebral palsy (hemiplegic and diplegic), of both sexes (age, 5-8 years), were selected from the outpatient clinic of the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University. The children were randomly assigned to 2 groups. Group A underwent a core stability program for 30 min and group B underwent whole-body vibration training for 10 min, at 3 times a week for 12 weeks for both groups. Balance was assessed using the Biodex Balance System.

A significant improvement in all variables (p < 0.05) was observed in each group, with greater improvement of all stability indices (anteroposterior, mediolateral, and overall) in group B. There were non-significant differences in all stability indices between hemiplegic and diplegic children (p > 0.05).

Whole-body vibration and core stability exercises are recommended for the treatment of children with spastic cerebral palsy. Whole-body vibration was more effective than the core stability program in improving balance in children with spastic cerebral palsy.