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The effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review
Eline G de Roo1, Sanne B Koopman2, Thijs W Janssen3
1Paramedics Assen, Assen, The Netherlands.
Insights
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) shows promise for treating spastic cerebral palsy (CP) in children. This therapy improved motor skills and movement resistance, offering a less invasive option for pediatric rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Neurology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Spastic cerebral palsy (CP) is a leading cause of movement disorders in children.
- Current treatments for CP can be invasive and cause discomfort.
- Extracorporporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) offers a less invasive alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the evidence on ESWT's effects in children with spastic CP.
- To assess ESWT's impact across different functional domains.
- To provide a comprehensive overview for pediatric rehabilitation.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of randomized controlled trials.
- Data extraction from four databases.
- Calculation of effect sizes for outcome measures.
Main Results:
- Twelve randomized controlled trials involving 421 children were included.
- ESWT demonstrated positive effects on passive movement resistance and range of motion.
- Significant improvements were observed in gross motor skills.
Conclusions:
- ESWT is effective in improving multiple functional domains for children with spastic CP.
- ESWT presents a beneficial, less invasive therapeutic option.
- Further research can solidify ESWT's role in pediatric CP management.
Introduction:
Spastic cerebral palsy (CP) is a major cause of movement disorders in pediatric rehabilitation. Current treatments are often invasive and may lead to substantial discomfort. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) presents a potential alternative, offering a less invasive approach with a reduced side effect profile. However, the impact of ESWT on children with CP remains unclear. This systematic review aims to summarize the current evidence on ESWT's impact in children with spastic CP across various domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health for Children and Youth.
Method:
To answer the main question, a systematic literature study is used. The studies, collected from four databases, were screened, and data on outcome measures and methodological quality were extracted. Effect sizes were calculated to facilitate study comparison.
Results:
In total, twelve randomized controlled trials met inclusion criteria, with PEDro scores ranging from three to eight. The combined study population included 421 children. Positive effects were observed on resistance to passive movements, passive range of motion, and gross motor skills, with effect sizes ranging from moderate (0.65) to very large (14.62).
Conclusion:
ESWT demonstrated positive effects across multiple domains in children with spastic CP.
