Children with diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) often experience impaired trunk control and balance, which limits functional mobility. Core stability exercises are commonly used in pediatric physical therapy to improve trunk control. Scooter board activities, which challenge trunk stability through dynamic movement, may offer an engaging alternative. This study aims to compare the effects of these two interventions.
Children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) often present with impaired trunk postural control and reduced balance stability, which negatively affect their functional independence, gait, and participation in daily activities. Core stability training is widely recognized in pediatric rehabilitation as a method to enhance trunk strength and improve postural alignment. Scooter board activities, however, add an element of dynamic movement, sensory stimulation, and task-oriented play, potentially offering greater engagement and functional carryover. This study directly compares the two approaches in order to establish evidence-based guidance for clinical practice.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
40
Scooter board bear walk. Scooter board crab walk. Sitting on scooter board, use it to move forward and backward, move the pool rings from one end to another. Cross sitting on scooter board, pulls along the rope using his/her hands Sit with knees pulled into the chest (like a bug pose) and move around with arms only. Prone over scooter board, pulling rope to move forward. Pull self along an anchored rope to retrieve items Scooter rolls outs. Place knees on floor and hands holding the edge of the front scooter board. Push board out a few inches then pull back, the further you roll, the harder it gets. 8- Kneeling, Push self forward and backward with the use of a therapy ball (lots of Motor Planning). Supine flexion on scooter board, Clip clothespins to a rope hanging above.
Bridges Bird-dog Sit-ups on therapy ball Static and dynamic trunk holds
Cairo University
Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS)
The TCMS is a standardized observational assessment tool designed to evaluate static and dynamic trunk control in children with cerebral palsy (CP) during functional sitting tasks. It is particularly useful for detecting trunk impairments that affect balance, postural adjustments, and functional mobility. Scoring System Each item is scored 0-2: 0 = Unable to perform or requires arm support/trunk compensation 1. = Performs partially or with minimal compensations 2. = Performs fully without compensations Total Score Range: 0-58 Higher scores indicate better trunk control.
Time frame: before and after 3 months of intervention
Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS)
The Pediatric Balance Scale is an adaptation of the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) specifically designed to assess functional balance in children. It evaluates both static and dynamic balance during everyday activities and is suitable for children with mild to moderate motor impairments, including those with cerebral palsy. Scoring System Each item scored on a 5-point ordinal scale (0-4): 0 = Unable to perform 1. = Needs maximal assistance or unable to complete safely 2. = Needs moderate assistance or significant compensation 3. = Performs independently but with mild instability or slowness 4. = Performs independently and safely Total Score Range: 0-56 Higher scores indicate better balance performance.
Time frame: before and after 3 months of intervention
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.