Effects of Rhythmic Exercises on the Spasticity and Proprioception of Hemiplegic Children

Document Type : Original article

Authors

1 Motor Behavior Department, Sport Sciences Collage, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran

2 Department of Motor Behavior, Motor Behavior Department, Sport Sciences Collage, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran

3 Department of Motor Behavior, Sport Sciences Collage, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran

Abstract

Background and Aim: Muscle spasms and proprioception disorders are common problems in children with cerebral palsy. One of the ways to stimulate these individuals to have an active life style is to use attractive and rhythmic exercises. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of rhythmic exercises on the spasticity and proprioception in children with cerebral palsy.
Materials and Methods: The present study was a quasi-experimental research with pre-test and post-test design. Subjects included 30 hemiplegic cerebral palsy girls aged 7-12 years in Tehran who were selected by convenience sampling method and were randomly divided into two groups of exercise and control. Participants in the experimental group performed rhythmic exercises for 8 weeks, but the control group continued their usual treatment programs. The modified Ashworth scale was used to assess spasticity and Gyroscope device was used to measure children's proprioception. MANCOVA and ANCOVA Tests were used at p<0.05 level to analyze the data.
Results: MACNOVA test results showed a significant difference between two groups at least in one balance variable (spasticity and proprioception). Also, according to the results of ANCOVA test, due to better spasticity and proprioception scores in the experimental group, rhythmic exercises improved spasticity and proprioception compared to the control group.
Conclusion: Findings of the present study showed evidence of improved hand motor function in children with cerebral palsy by reducing the severity of spasticity and improving their proprioception following rhythmic exercise programs. It is suggested that along with other rehabilitation protocols, rhythmic exercises can be used as a suitable method to improve spasticity and proprioception in children with cerebral palsy.

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Volume 13, Issue 5
In-Press
November and December 2024
  • Receive Date: 10 May 2021
  • Revise Date: 27 June 2021
  • Accept Date: 19 July 2021
  • First Publish Date: 22 July 2021