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Effects of Core Stability Training on Balance, Standing, and Gait in Children with Mild Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized
Nancy Mohamed1, Mohamed B Ibrahim1, Osama A El-Agamy2
1Department of Physical Therapy for Pediatrics, Kafr El-Sheikh University, Kafr El Sheikh 33516, Egypt.
Insights
Core stability exercises significantly improved balance, standing, and gait in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). This targeted approach enhanced functional mobility more than standard physiotherapy alone.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Neuromuscular Disorders
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) experience impaired postural control, balance deficits, and gait abnormalities.
- Core stability is crucial for postural alignment and gross motor function in children with CP.
- Limited research exists on the specific effects of core stability programs on functional mobility in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a structured core stability exercise program on standing ability, functional balance, and gait parameters in children with diplegic spastic CP.
- To compare the effectiveness of core stability training plus physiotherapy versus physiotherapy alone.
Main Methods:
- Forty children (4-10 years) with diplegic spastic CP were randomized into a study group (core stability + physiotherapy) and a control group (physiotherapy only).
- Intervention lasted 12 weeks, with sessions thrice weekly.
- Outcomes assessed included GMFCS, Pediatric Balance Scale, and Kinovea gait analysis.
Main Results:
- Both groups showed significant improvements, but the study group exhibited greater gains in standing ability (9%) and balance (9%).
- Significant improvements in gait parameters, including knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion/plantar flexion, were observed in the study group.
- Statistical significance (p < 0.05) was achieved for key functional improvements in the intervention group.
Conclusions:
- Core stability training provides superior benefits for balance, standing, and gait performance in children with diplegic spastic CP.
- Integrating core stability exercises into physiotherapy regimens can enhance functional outcomes and independence.
- This study highlights the importance of targeted trunk strengthening for improving motor function in pediatric CP.
Abstract:
Background/Objectives: Children with diplegic spastic cerebral palsy (CP) often present with impaired postural control, poor balance, and gait abnormalities that negatively affect their functional mobility and independence. Core stability, which is the ability to control the position and movement of the trunk, is considered a critical component in maintaining postural alignment and improving gross motor function. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a structured core stability exercise program on the standing ability, functional balance, and gait parameters of children diagnosed with diplegic spastic CP. Methods: Forty children (28 males, 12 females) aged 4-10 years with a clinical diagnosis of diplegic spastic cerebral palsy were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 20 each). The study group underwent a 12-week core stability exercise program in addition to a standardized physiotherapy regimen, which was conducted three times per week. The control group received the physiotherapy program alone. Functional outcomes were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Pediatric Balance Scale, and Kinovea software for gait analysis. Results: Both groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in all measured variables after the intervention. However, the study group showed significantly greater improvements in standing ability (9%), balance (9%), and gait parameters (p < 0.05), particularly in knee flexion, ankle dorsiflexion, and plantar flexion, during gait cycles. Conclusions: Core stability training resulted in superior enhancements in balance, standing, and gait performance compared with physiotherapy alone in children with diplegic spastic cerebral palsy.
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