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Effect of simultaneous proprioceptive-visual feedback on gait of children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy
Zeinab A Hussein1, Ibrahim A Salem2, Mostafa S Ali1
1Department of Physical Therapy For pediatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
Insights
Simultaneous proprioceptive-visual training improved spatial and temporal gait parameters in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. This targeted approach showed greater benefits compared to standard exercises alone.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) significantly impacts gait in children.
- Gait abnormalities in CP affect mobility and quality of life.
- Effective therapeutic interventions are crucial for improving motor function in children with CP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of simultaneous proprioceptive-visual training on gait parameters.
- To compare the effects of this combined training with a standard therapeutic exercise program.
Main Methods:
- 30 children with spastic diplegic CP (aged 4-6 years) participated.
- Participants were divided into a study group (proprioceptive-visual feedback) and a control group (no feedback).
- Gait parameters were assessed using Tekscan's Walkway Pressure system before and after an 8-week intervention.
Main Results:
- Both groups showed significant improvements in spatial and temporal gait parameters.
- The study group exhibited greater improvements in these parameters compared to the control group.
- No significant changes were observed in kinetic gait parameters for either group.
Conclusions:
- Simultaneous proprioceptive-visual training offers a potential benefit for enhancing spatial and temporal gait characteristics in children with spastic diplegic CP.
- This training modality may be a valuable addition to existing therapeutic strategies.
- Further research is needed to explore effects on kinetic parameters and long-term outcomes.
Objective:
To evaluate the effect of simultaneous proprioceptive - visual training on gait parameters in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.
Method:
Gait parameters of 30 spastic diplegic children (age range 4-6 years) were evaluated before and after treatment by Tekscan's Walkway Pressure system. They were randomly and equally assigned into two groups (study and control). All children received regular therapeutic exercise program for one hour. In control group walked for 30 minutes without feedback, while those in study group walked for 30 minutes with proprioceptive-visual feedback. Duration of treatment was 3 times/week for 8 successive weeks.
Results:
There were significant differences after treatment in spatial parameters and temporal parameters of both groups with more improvement in study group than control one, and insignificant difference in kinetic gait parameters.
Conclusion:
The simultaneous proprioceptive - visual training might improve spatial and temporal gait parameters with no effect on kinetic gait parameters of children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.
