A protocol to evaluate the effect of Modified Scooter Board Therapy on Trunk Control and Hip muscles Activation in...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Rehabilitation
• Neuroscience
• Developmental Disabilities

Background:

• Cerebral palsy (CP) is a leading cause of childhood developmental disability, characterized by motor, sensory, and cognitive impairments due to early brain damage.
• Children with CP often struggle with sitting and walking due to abnormal muscle tone and poor trunk/hip control.
• Existing literature supports prone positioning for trunk control, but lacks studies on child- and parent-participatory interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel intervention using a modified scooter board device combined with conventional therapy.
• To assess the impact of this intervention on hip muscle activation and trunk control in children with CP.
• To explore a feasible, engaging, and cost-effective rehabilitation approach for children with CP and their families.

Main Methods:

• A double-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted.
• Participants received either conventional therapy alone or conventional therapy with exercises on a modified scooter board device.
• Hip muscle activation and trunk control were the primary outcome measures.

Main Results:

• The modified scooter board intervention demonstrated significant improvements in hip muscle activation compared to conventional therapy alone.
• Children in the intervention group showed enhanced trunk control.
• The intervention was found to be feasible, engaging, and cost-effective.

Conclusions:

• Exercises using a modified scooter board device, in addition to conventional therapy, are effective in improving hip muscle activation and trunk control in children with CP.
• This intervention offers a promising, participatory approach to managing secondary complications and improving functional outcomes for children with CP.
• The modified scooter board provides a simple, self-engaging, and cost-effective option for pediatric rehabilitation, reducing parental burden.