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Effect of intrathoracic oscillations on pulmonary functions in children with cerebral palsy

Alaa M El-Moatasem1, Mai E Abbass2

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular/Respiratory Disorder and Geriatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.

Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences
|May 30, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Intrathoracic oscillations significantly improved pulmonary function in children with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. This novel therapy showed better results than traditional chest physiotherapy for these children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Rehabilitation
  • Respiratory Physiology
  • Neuromuscular Disorders

Background:

  • Spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy (CP) often impairs pulmonary function.
  • Effective interventions to improve respiratory outcomes in children with CP are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of intrathoracic oscillations on pulmonary function in children with spastic quadriplegic CP.
  • To compare the efficacy of a quake device training with traditional chest physiotherapy.

Main Methods:

  • 24 children (6-8 years) with spastic quadriplegic CP were randomly assigned to a study group (quake device training) or a control group (traditional physiotherapy).
  • Pulmonary function was assessed using spirometry before and after a 6-week intervention period (4 sessions/week).
  • Statistical analysis included paired and independent-samples t-tests, with significance set at p<0.05.

Main Results:

  • The study group demonstrated significant improvements in forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced vital capacity (FVC), and the FEV1/FVC ratio compared to the control group.
  • Specific p-values for improvements were: FEV1 (p<0.001), PEF (p<0.001), FVC (p=0.002), and FEV1/FVC (p=0.023).

Conclusions:

  • Intrathoracic oscillations, delivered via quake device training, may be an effective method for enhancing pulmonary function in children with spastic quadriplegic CP.
  • This approach shows promise as an alternative or adjunct to traditional chest physiotherapy for improving respiratory outcomes in this population.
Abstract

Keywords:
Cerebral palsyIntrathoracic oscillationsPulmonary functionSpastic quadriplegia

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