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Effect of arm ergometer versus stabilization exercises on trunk control and pper extremity functions in children with
Amira F El-Sheikha1,2, Amira M Abd-Elmonem3, Reham N Mohie-Eldien1
1Department of Physical Therapy for Pediatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
Insights
Arm ergometer exercises significantly improved upper extremity function and hand grip strength in children with spastic diplegia. These exercises are recommended for physical rehabilitation plans for this population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Neuromuscular Disorders
- Physical Therapy Interventions
Background:
- Spastic diplegia is a common subtype of cerebral palsy (CP).
- Children with diplegia often exhibit axial muscle weakness and extremity spasticity, impacting trunk control and upper limb coordination.
- These impairments significantly affect daily activities and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the 12-week effects of arm ergometer exercises versus trunk stabilization exercises.
- To evaluate improvements in upper extremity functioning, trunk control, and hand grip strength (HGS) in children with spastic diplegia.
Main Methods:
- Forty-two children (6-10 years) with spastic diplegia were randomized into two groups.
- Group A performed 30 minutes of arm ergometer exercises; Group B performed 30 minutes of trunk stabilization exercises.
- Both groups received additional physical training three times weekly for 12 weeks. Assessments included QUEST, HHD, and TCMS.
Main Results:
- Baseline characteristics were similar between groups.
- Both interventions led to significant within-group improvements across all measured outcomes.
- Arm ergometer group showed significantly greater improvements in upper extremity function and HGS compared to the stabilization group.
Conclusions:
- Arm ergometer exercises are effective in enhancing upper extremity function and hand grip strength in children with spastic diplegia.
- While trunk control showed no significant difference between groups, arm ergometry offers distinct benefits.
- Physical rehabilitation specialists should consider integrating arm ergometer exercises into treatment plans for spastic diplegia.
Background:
One of the most prevalent clinical subtypes of cerebral palsy (CP) is diplegia. Most children with diplegia have weakness in axial muscles and spasticity in extremities which have adverse impacts on trunk control and manual coordination of upper extremities.
Aim:
To examine and compare between the effects of arm ergometer and stabilization exercises applied for duration of 12 weeks on upper extremity functioning, trunk control, and hand grip strength (HGS) in children with spastic diplegia.
Methods:
Forty-two children with spastic diplegia aged from 6 to 10 years were randomly assigned to either group A or B, (n = 21 each). Children in group A received a designed arm ergometer exercises for 30 min while those in group B received trunk stabilization exercises for 30 min. As well, children in both groups received 30 min of a designed physical training for 30 min. Treatment was delivered three times a week for 12 weeks in succession. The quality of upper extremity skill test (QUEST), hand held dynamometer (HHD) and Trunk control measuring scale (TCMS) were used to assess upper extremity functions, HGS and trunk control respectively before and after suggested treatment duration.
Results:
In terms of all indicators measured at baseline, study groups were comparable (P > 0.05). Significant improvements in all outcome indicators were recorded in within-group comparison (P < 0.05). Further, between groups comparison showed significant higher improvements in upper extremity functions and HGS in favor of group A while trunk control scores showed no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusion:
Arm ergometer exercises have the capability to enhance upper extremity functions, HGS and trunk control. It is therefore beneficial for physical rehabilitation specialists to incorporate the arm ergometer exercises into the intervention plans for children with spastic diplegia.
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