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Effect of Neurodevelopmental Treatment on fall risk and balance in children with spastic cerebral palsy: randomized
1Faculty of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey.
Insights
Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) combined with physiotherapy significantly reduced fall risk in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). This 8-week intervention improved balance and gait, enhancing mobility and safety for affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a common motor disorder affecting children, often leading to balance impairments and increased fall risk.
- Effective interventions are crucial to improve functional outcomes and quality of life for children with CP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) in reducing fall risk and improving balance in children diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.
- To compare the effects of an NDT-based program with conventional physiotherapy on gait parameters and fall risk.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 44 children with CP, assigned to an experimental (NDT + physiotherapy) or control (conventional physiotherapy) group.
- Baseline and post-treatment assessments included the Pediatric Balance Scale for balance and LEGSys for gait and fall risk.
- The experimental group received an 8-week, twice-weekly, 45-minute NDT program focused on intensive gait and balance training.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were observed in the change rates of fall risk parameters between the NDT and control groups.
- The NDT group demonstrated greater improvements in balance and gait parameters compared to the control group.
Conclusions:
- An 8-week combined NDT and conventional physiotherapy program is effective in reducing fall risk in children with spastic Cerebral Palsy.
- NDT offers a promising therapeutic approach for enhancing motor function and safety in this population.
Aim:
Investigating the effect of Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) on the risk of falling and balance in children diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP).
Methods:
Participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. At baseline, the balancing skills of all participants was assessed using the Pediatric Balance Scale, and the gait parameters and fall risk was measured using the LEGSys. The experimental group underwent an 8-week, case-specific, NDT program with intensive gait and balance training for 45-minute sessions, twice a week. The control group received only conventional physiotherapy for the duration of the study. Balancing, gait, and fall risk evaluations repeated after treatment was completed.
Results:
A total of 44 cases (Experimental: 22, Control: 22) were analyzed. Pre- and post-treatment comparisons were made within groups and change rates for both groups were compared. The differences in the change rates of specific fall risk parameters between groups was significant.
Conclusion:
The eight-week NDT and conventional physiotherapy combined program effectively reduced the risk of falling in children with spastic CP.
