Main Purpose: This study aims to investigate the effects of trunk-focused rehabilitation on trunk control, spinal mobility, and manual skills in adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). Secondary Purpose: To investigate its effects on functional health.
Muscle weakness in the trunk; reducing the support of children with CP, may cause increased distal tone and decreased function in their daily practices. When the effectiveness of interventions that can improve postural control is evaluated, trunk-focused training is one of the 5 interventions supported by a moderate level of evidence. In an intervention study where trunk training was structured individually, there may be an improvement in erector spinae muscle group scores when evaluated with sEMG. A study of 28 cases, including all subtypes of CP, aimed to evaluate the inter-rater reliability of Spinal Mouse (SM) and the effect on the spinal column with 4 hours a day, 1 week of intensive clinical rehabilitation application. In this population, SM was evaluated with therapeutic interventions, it has been reported that it may show significant posture differences, especially in total spinal inclination and spine length. In children aged 5-12 years with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Level 1, 2 CP, there are significant improvements in the Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS) score after only Trunk Focused Rehabilitation (TFR). It is emphasized that with TFR, which is described as a unique approach, postural control of the whole body can be improved by the use of intermediate postures and postural activities involving the trunk and better participation of the affected muscles. Only after TFR intervention, the findings of improvement in the assessments on a 3D force platform were highlighted in postural sway, early sternal and sacral decelerations. It is carried out with active participation, individualized, intensive, and time-limited, considering possible content limitations and the needs and preferences of the adolescent and the family. It is stated that trunk-targeted interventions can be given together with conventional physical therapy programs to support functional improvements.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Abdominal stabilization progression for TFR is applied with simultaneous breathing exercise for 3 days a week, 45 minutes a day, 8 weeks (24 sessions in total)(8). 1. Basic Abdominal Stabilization Training, Task-Focused Exercises (without spinal diagonal and rotational components)(8,12). Warm-up: 5 minutes, Global Stretching and Relaxation(9,10,11). Extremity load, elastic band, and unstable surface are added as stabilization is achieved in neurodevelopmental positions. Task-oriented exercises(12). Cooling Down: Warm-up exercises are repeated. 2. General Posture and Asymmetry Training Brochure (includes adolescent, family, and team members)(13-17). The exercise starts with 3 seconds and gradually progresses to 10 seconds, 10 repetitions, and 3 sets. The TFR group also receives Conventional Treatment 2 days a week, 40 minutes per day, for 8 weeks. The same treatment protocol is applied as the control group). Routine physiotherapists apply conventional treatment.
Conventional treatment is applied to the group, 2 days a week, 40 minutes each session, for 8 weeks. It is an intervention performed by a physiotherapist who regularly follows up in a special education and rehabilitation center. 1. Normal Joint Movement (NEH) 2. Stretching for the lower, and upper extremities and around the hips 3. Lying activities 4. Curl up (assisted, unaided) 5. Bridging exercise, cat camel exercise, posterior pelvic tilt exercise 6. Walking training 7. Climbing and descending stairs 8. Weight transfer exercises at standing, sitting
Sacettin Gürbüz Barrier-Free Life Center (General name of the campus.) /*Private Etimesgut Barrier-Free Life Special Education and Rehabilitation Center
Ankara, Etimesgut, Turkey (Türkiye)
COMPLETEDPrivate Etimesgut Kardelen Special Education and Rehabilitation Center
Ankara, Etimesgut, Turkey (Türkiye)
COMPLETEDSERÇEV Barrier-Free and Vocational Technical Anatolian High School
Ankara, Çankaya, Turkey (Türkiye)
Evaluation of Trunk Control
Trunk Impairment Scale: It consists of coordination, dynamic and static sections. In the static section, the responses in actively and passively crossing the legs with the feet in a supported position are recorded. In the dynamic section, unilateral hip movements and lateral flexion of the trunk are evaluated. In the coordination section, the upper and lower body are asked to move. Coordination consists of dynamic and static sections. The maximum scores that can be obtained from the tests are 7 for the static section, 10 for the dynamic section, and 6 for the coordination section. The score range is 0-23. The total score for TIS ranges between 0 for a minimal performance to 23 for a perfect performance.
Time frame: at baseline and week 9
Evaluation of Spinal Mobility
Spinal Mobility and Alignment Assessment (Sagittal Plane): Spinal Mouse (SM) measurements are taken at the same time of day, in an environment where the patient is resting, distrubating their weight equally between their two feet as much as possible, and standing symmetrically, while the patient is standing upright in an anatomical position, by moving downwards at a constant speed over the SM spinal criterion points (from C7 spinous process to S3) by the physiotherapist. The spine is measured 3 times in the sagittal plane. The average value of the measurements is used for analysis.
Time frame: at baseline and week 12
Evaluation of Hand Functions
Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT): Writing, card turning, picking up small objects, large and heavy objects skills and durations are assessed in both hands. 7 items are repeated for both hands. The completion time of each task is recorded separately. The score for the subtest is equal to the time in seconds required to complete the task, the maximum score for the subtest is 120. The total score is equal to the sum of points for all subtests and is calculated separately for each hand. The lower the score, the better the child's hand function.
Time frame: at baseline and week 9
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Masking
NONE
Enrollment
40
1 Minute Walking Test (1-MWT):
The 1-minute walk test (1-MWT) is a valid and simple assessment for monitoring changes in walking capacity in children with chronic conditions. While performing the 1-MWT, children are asked to walk as fast as they can on a circular track. Running is prohibited. They may use mobility aids if necessary. The distance they travel on the track is recorded.
Time frame: at baseline and week 9
Pediatric Data Collection Tool (PODCI)
PODCI consists of 5 subscales: Upper Extremity and Physical Function, Transfer and Basic Mobility, Pain/Comfort, Happiness, Sports and Physical Function, and Global Function. PODCI scores are calculated separately for each subscale and range from 0 to 100 points. Higher scores represent better health. The PODCI includes 86 items in 3 scales: global function, happiness, and expectations. The global function scale is the average of 4 subscales: upper extremity and physical function, transfers and basic mobility, sports and physical function, and pain and comfort. Items are scored ranging from 0 to 3 and 0 to 6, with lower scores indicating higher disability level.
Time frame: at baseline and week 9