Effects of Proprioceptive Training in Addition to Routine Physical Therapy on Gross Motor Function in Children with Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: To compere the effects of proprioceptive training in addition to routine physical therapy on gross motor function in children with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy.

Study Design:  Randomized Controlled Trial.

Place and Duration of Study: Pediatric Physical Therapy & Adult Neuro Rehabilitation Department, University of Lahore Teaching Hospital Lahore, Pakistan from May, 2021 – November, 2021

Material and Methods: A sample of 52 spastic quadriplegic CP children who were alert and responsive to verbal commands with GMFCS level IV and V were allocated in two equal groups. Both groups received daily therapy for 5 days a week consisting of stretching followed by positioning and therapeutic techniques to facilitate movement patterns, while participants in treatment group received additional proprioceptive training for 20 minutes. The assessment was made using GMFM-88.

Results: Data was analyzed using spss. There was statistically significant difference between two groups. Gross motor function significantly improved in treatment group (p<0.05). However, improvement in control group was not that statistically significant. (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Proprioceptive training when combined with routine physical therapy, aids to achieve physical milestones. Overall gross motor function significantly improves in those spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy children who received proprioceptive training along with their routine physical therapy treatment.

Keywords: Proprioceptive Training, Cerebral Palsy, Spastic Quadriplegia