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Enhancing motor function in children with cerebral palsy: A Comparative study of pediatric tuina and conventional
Yue Zhao1, Dexia Ying1, Chengfeng Ouyang1
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital,Jiangxi Medical College,Nanchang University,No.17 Yongwaizheng Street,Nanchang 330006,Jiangxi Province,China.
Insights
Pediatric Tuina (PT) combined with conventional rehabilitation significantly improved motor function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). This approach offers a promising therapeutic option for enhancing mobility in pediatric CP patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Neurology
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder affecting motor function in children.
- Conventional rehabilitation methods are the cornerstone of CP management.
- Exploring complementary therapies to enhance motor outcomes in CP is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of combining Pediatric Tuina (PT) with conventional rehabilitation for improving motor function in children with CP.
- To compare the outcomes of combined PT and conventional rehabilitation versus conventional rehabilitation alone.
Main Methods:
- A controlled trial involving 115 children aged 1 month to 13 years with CP.
- Participants were randomized into an experimental group (PT + conventional rehabilitation) and a control group (conventional rehabilitation only).
- Motor function was assessed using the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88) scale at baseline and after three months.
Main Results:
- The experimental group showed significantly greater improvements in motor function compared to the control group after three months.
- Specific improvements were noted in supine/rolling and sitting, as well as total GMFM-88 scores.
- The combined therapy group demonstrated a statistically significant increase in motor function scores from pre-treatment to post-treatment (P=0.045).
Conclusions:
- Pediatric Tuina (PT), when integrated with conventional rehabilitation, significantly enhances motor function in children with cerebral palsy.
- The findings support the use of PT as an adjunct therapy for improving motor outcomes in pediatric CP.
- Further extensive research is recommended to validate these findings and explore the broader implications of PT in CP management.
Objective:
This study explores the impact of combining Pediatric Tuina (PT) with conventional rehabilitation on motor function in children diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP).
Methods:
This controlled trial involved 115 CP-affected children aged 1 month to 13 years. They were allocated into an experimental group (n = 57) receiving PT and conventional rehabilitation, and a control group (n = 58) receiving only conventional rehabilitation for three months. The GMFM-88 scale was employed for evaluating motor function at the start and end of the treatment period.
Results:
Compared to the conventional rehabilitation group, the combination of PT and standard rehabilitation therapy showed significant improvement in motor function among children with CP after 3 months. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Children in the PT combined with the standard rehabilitation therapy group exhibited more prominent improvements in motor function (supine and rolling: experimental group 47.88 ± 5.02 vs control group 42.86 ± 10.30; sitting: experimental group 45.16 ± 18.52 vs control group 35.59 ± 18.97; total score: experimental group 147.88 ± 75.59 vs control group 118.90 ± 77.87; P = 0.045). Furthermore, there was a significant increase in scores for children after the combination therapy (pre-treatment 105.39 ± 85.76 vs post-treatment 147.88 ± 75.59; P = 0.045).
Conclusion:
PT, when used in conjunction with conventional rehabilitation methods, significantly enhances motor function in children with CP. The study advocates for further extensive research to validate and understand the broader implications of PT in CP treatment.
