EFFECTS OF TASK-ORIENTED TRAINING ON WALKING IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

Abstract

ABSTRACT.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a common neurological deficit in children which hinders the child’s functional performance. Task-oriented training is considered to focus on functional aspects of the patient to improve movements and overall performance of functional tasks.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of task-oriented training on walking and balance in children with spastic diplegic Cerebral Palsy (CP).

METHODS: A randomized control trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04561349) was conducted on 44 CP children. Both male and female children were randomized into an experimental group (Task-oriented training) and control group (mat activities and range of motion exercises). Children with spasticity ? 2, age 4-14 years, who could walk and follow commands were included. However, children with cognitive impairment, lower limb surgery in the last 6 months, tetraplegic CP were excluded. Children were assessed before and after an intervention. The outcome measures were Gross Motor Function Classification Scale (GMFC), Timed Up and Go (TUG), Functional Walking Test (FWT), and Modified Ashworth scale.

RESULTS: Out of 38, 53.3% males and 44.7% females with the mean age of 9.3 ± 2.9 years. The experimental group had significant improvement in walking as the p-value for both TUG and FWT was significant after the 6^th week (p< 0.05) but no significant change in MMT and MAS was observed (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: It is concluded that both techniques are effective to improve walking and balance in CP children. However, task-oriented training has a significant improvement in walking and balance in spastic CP children.

KEYWORDS: Cerebral Palsy, Cognitive Impairment, Spasticity, Walking.