Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026
Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Action Observation Training in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Published on: August 9, 2024
Enhancing Gross Motor Function through Integrated Play Therapy and Neurodevelopmental Treatment in Spastic Diplegic
1Department of Pediatric Physiotherapy, Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Karad, Maharashtra, India.
Insights
This study shows that combining neurodevelopmental technique (NDT) and play therapy significantly improves gross motor function in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. The integrated approach offers benefits for pediatric rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) significantly impacts gross motor function in children.
- Current rehabilitation strategies often focus on individual therapeutic modalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a combined neurodevelopmental technique (NDT) and play therapy intervention.
- To assess the impact on gross motor function in children with spastic diplegic CP.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of fifteen children (4-10 years) with spastic diplegic CP participated.
- Intervention involved combined NDT and play therapy, three times weekly for six weeks.
- Gross motor function was measured using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88).
Main Results:
- Pre-intervention GMFM-88 scores averaged 61.13 ± 18.94.
- Post-intervention GMFM-88 scores significantly improved to 73.00 ± 16.87 (p < 0.001).
- Paired t-tests confirmed a statistically significant improvement.
Conclusions:
- The combination of NDT and play therapy leads to significant improvements in gross motor function.
- This integrated approach shows promise for enhancing pediatric rehabilitation programs for children with spastic diplegic CP.
Abstract:
The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a combined treatment of neurodevelopmental technique (NDT) and play therapy on gross motor function in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Fifteen children (4 to 10 years) received a combined intervention of NDT and play therapy three times a week for six weeks. Gross motor function was measured using the gross motor function measure scale (GMFM-88). Data were analyzed using paired t-tests. The pre-intervention score was 61.13 ± 18.94, and the post-intervention score was 73.00 ± 16.87 (t = 9.587, P < 0.001). The combination of NDT and play therapy resulted in significant improvement in the GMFM-88 scores of the participants. The findings suggest that combining play therapy with NDT can significantly improve gross motor function in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, indicating implications of this integrated approach in pediatric rehabilitation programs.
