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The Effect of Core Stabilization Exercises on Upper Extremity Function and Balance in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A
Kübra Ecem Küçük1, Cigdem Cekmece2
1Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Kocaeli University, Umuttepe Campus, Izmit 41001, Turkey.
Insights
Core stabilization exercises improve balance and unilateral arm function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). These exercises showed limited effects on bimanual function, suggesting their integration into therapy may enhance motor outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) significantly impacts motor function, affecting balance and upper extremity capabilities in children.
- Core stabilization is crucial for overall motor control and functional independence.
- Targeted exercises may offer a pathway to improve specific motor deficits in children with CP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of core stabilization exercises on balance and upper extremity function in children with CP.
- To differentiate the effects on unilateral versus bilateral upper extremity performance.
- To provide evidence for integrating core stabilization into pediatric CP rehabilitation.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 36 children with CP (aged 5-12).
- Intervention group performed daily ~45 min core stabilization exercises for four weeks, alongside standard therapy.
- Outcome measures included the Pediatric Berg Balance Scale (PBBS), Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS), Box and Block Test (BBT), and Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA).
Main Results:
- The study group demonstrated significant improvements in balance (PBBS) and trunk control (TCMS static sitting, dynamic reaching, total score).
- No significant between-group differences were observed for bilateral hand function (BBT, AHA) or TCMS selective movement control.
- Within-group analysis showed significant gains across multiple measures for the intervention group, with a trend towards improved unilateral function (AHA).
Conclusions:
- Core stabilization exercises are effective in enhancing balance and unilateral upper extremity function in children with CP.
- The impact on bimanual function appears limited, suggesting a need for tailored approaches.
- Incorporating core stabilization exercises into standard rehabilitation protocols may optimize motor outcomes for children with CP.
Abstract:
Aim: This study explores the effects of core stabilization exercises on balance and upper extremity functions-both unilateral and bilateral-in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Method: Thirty-six children with CP (aged 5-12) were randomly assigned to a study group (n = 18) or control group (n = 18). Both groups received four weeks of physiotherapy and occupational therapy. The study group additionally performed ~45 min of daily core stabilization exercises. Outcome measures included the Box and Block Test (BBT), Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA), Pediatric Berg Balance Scale (PBBS), and Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS). (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06973213). Results: No significant baseline differences were found between the groups (p > 0.05). Post-intervention, the study group showed significant improvements in PBBS (p = 0.011), TCMS static sitting (p = 0.003), dynamic reaching (p = 0.037), and total score (p = 0.044). Between-group differences remained non-significant for BBT, AHA, and TCMS selective movement control (p > 0.05). Within-group analysis revealed significant gains in BBT (median = 7), PBBS (median = 8), TCMS total (median = 12), static sitting (median = 3.5), and selective movement (median = 6) (all p < 0.001). AHA showed a near-significant trend (median = 6, p = 0.051). Conclusions: Core stabilization exercises significantly enhance balance and unilateral upper extremity function in children with CP. However, they show limited impact on bimanual function. Integration of these exercises into rehabilitation programs may optimize motor outcomes.
