BACKGROUND:Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have abnormal postures and gait patterns. Many physiotherapists use the Vojta approach as intervention for children with CP. However, its effects remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the Vojta approach on abdominal muscles and gait in children with spastic CP. METHODS:Thirteen children with spastic CP were randomly assigned to a general exercise and a Vojta approach group. The interventions were administered in 30 min sessions, 3 times a week for a total of 6 weeks. We used ultrasonography to measure the thicknesses of the abdominal muscles. The gait and foot pressure were measured by GAITRite. RESULTS: The Vojta approach group showed significant difference in the thicknesses of the rectus abdominis, and external oblique abdominal muscles, which are involved in trunk stability (p< 0.05). There were significant differences in the step width, functional ambulation profile, swing time, stance time, and single support % of cycle as well as foot pressure distribution (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Vojta approach may be considered as an effective treatment method for improving trunk stability and gait functions of children with spastic CP.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND:Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have abnormal postures and gait patterns. Many physiotherapists use the Vojta approach as intervention for children with CP. However, its effects remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the Vojta approach on abdominal muscles and gait in children with spastic CP. METHODS: Thirteen children with spastic CP were randomly assigned to a general exercise and a Vojta approach group. The interventions were administered in 30 min sessions, 3 times a week for a total of 6 weeks. We used ultrasonography to measure the thicknesses of the abdominal muscles. The gait and foot pressure were measured by GAITRite. RESULTS: The Vojta approach group showed significant difference in the thicknesses of the rectus abdominis, and external oblique abdominal muscles, which are involved in trunk stability (p< 0.05). There were significant differences in the step width, functional ambulation profile, swing time, stance time, and single support % of cycle as well as foot pressure distribution (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Vojta approach may be considered as an effective treatment method for improving trunk stability and gait functions of children with spastic CP.
Authors: Fátima Pérez-Robledo; Juan Luis Sánchez-González; Beatriz María Bermejo-Gil; Rocío Llamas-Ramos; Inés Llamas-Ramos; Antonio de la Fuente; Ana María Martín-Nogueras Journal: J Clin Med Date: 2022-07-03 Impact factor: 4.964