The aim of this study is to determine and compare the effects of Frenkel's and core stability exercises on the motor function, postural stability and core muscle strength in children with cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a brain injury that manifests as a mobility and posture impairment in infancy or early childhood. Frenkel exercises are series of movements with increasing difficulty that can be performed by ataxic patients in order to regain coordinated, smooth and rhythmic movement. The Core stability Exercises are for the spine, pelvis, and kinetic chain to all balance properly under stress, core stability is necessary. The aim of this study is to determine and compare the effects of Frenkel's and core stability exercises on the motor function, postural stability and core muscle strength in children with cerebral palsy. This will be a Randomized Clinical Trial in which 50 participants with cerebral palsy will be included as per sample size calculation through non probability convenience sampling technique. The study will be single blinded. Participants that achieve the required standards of inclusion and exclusion criteria will be randomly allocated using online randomization tool into two Groups. Group A will receive Frenkel's exercises and Group B will receive core stability exercises, both groups will receive the treatment for 40 minutes with the routine physical therapy for 20 minutes and short-term rest intervals in between for 3 alternative days per week for 12 weeks. Participants initial screening will be done through Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). The balance will be assessed through the Pediatric Balance Test (PBS), coordination will be assessed through Finger and Nose Test, Heel Shin Test, Catching and Throwing Tasks.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
50
In this group, participants will receive Frenkel's exercises, and the total treatment session will be 60 minutes of routine physical therapy, i.e., breathing, stretching, ROM's, and joint mobility, with rest intervals in between for 20 minutes. To begin the intervention, the investigator will perform Frenkel's exercises for 40 minutes in total, with rest intervals between each exercise, initially performing 5 repetitions and then gradually progressing to 10 and then 15 repetitions, respectively, after 2 weeks.
This group participants will receive core stability exercises, and the total treatment session will also be 60 minutes. The routine physical therapy includes breathing, stretching, joint rotations, ROM's, and frequent periods of rest in between the treatment sessions. To begin the intervention the investigator will perform core stability exercises for 40 minutes in total with rest intervals between each exercise and initially performing 5 repetitions and then gradually progressing to 10 and then 15 repetitions, respectively after 2 weeks.
RehabCure
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan
Finger to nose test
The Finger-to-Nose Test measures smooth, coordinated upper-extremity movement by having the examinee touch the tip of his or her nose with his or her index finger. Evaluation of coordination with the Finger-Nose Test is an essential part of the neurological examination
Time frame: 12th week
Heel shin test
The heel-shin test is a part of the neurological examination of coordination: the patient runs the sole of one foot up and down the shin of the opposite leg.
Time frame: 12th week
Catching and throwing tasks
Ball catching is a skill included in most tests for assessing the motor impairment of children with a mild motor deficit. To objectively measure ball catching short and long ball catching tests were developed to assess children between seven and nine years of age
Time frame: 12th week
PBS (Pediatric Ballance Scale)
A modified version of the Berg Balance Scale, the Pediatric Balance Scale is used to evaluate school-age children's functional balance abilities. The 14 items on the scale have a maximum score of 56 points and are rated from 0 (lowest function) to 4 (highest function).
Time frame: 12th week
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