In our randomized controlled study, which aims to investigate the contribution of Action Observation Therapy to rehabilitation by examining the effect of Action Observation Therapy on spasticity, gross motor function, balance and participation in children with spastic diplegic and hemiplegic cerebral palsy, the effectiveness of Action Observation Therapy to be applied in the home environment and accompanied by a physiotherapist will be investigated.
In this study, G\*Power 3.1.3 program was used to calculate the minimum sample size in each group (control group (group 1), group 2 and group 3), in other words, the number of individuals in the groups. In this context, the effect size was taken as d = 1.1, the significance level was α = 0.05, and the minimum number of individuals in each group was calculated as 11 (33 in total) for a power of 0.80 (80%). Similar studies (Sgandurra 2013, Kim 2018) were taken into consideration in obtaining these parameters. The number of individuals in each group (+10%) was planned to be at least 12 (36 in total), taking into account individuals who were missing, incorrect or excluded from the study. In order to prevent bias in terms of participants meeting the inclusion criteria, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, criteria such as age, cerebral palsy type, GMFCS level and presence of comorbidities were taken into account in assigning individuals to groups in the study, and the stratified randomization method will be used. Accordingly, the age ranges are taken as 5-7, 8-10, 11-13, and the cerebral palsy type is; spastic diplegic and hemiplegic, GMFCS level; It will be taken as I-III and the stratification process will be done accordingly. Before the study, written and verbal "Informed Consent Form" will be obtained from the parents of all participants in the study and control groups. The content of the study will be explained to the children who will participate in the study in a way that the child can understand, and the child's consent will be obtained. After recording the sociodemographic data of the participants for both the experimental and control groups, their spasticity was measured by the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), their gross motor function levels were measured by the Gross Motor Function Measurement (GMFM), their participation was measured by the Child and Adolescent Participation Survey (CASP), and their balance was measured by the Timed Up and Go Test ( TUG), Pediatric Reach Test (PRT) and Pediatric Balance Scale (PDS), and the extent to which the individual goal has been achieved will be evaluated by the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS). Assessments will be administered the day before starting treatment, after completing the 6-week Action Observation Therapy, and after a 3-month follow-up period. Treatment Program of the Control Group (Group 1): This group will not be shown any video clips, and general physiotherapy methods will be applied to their current needs, 2 sessions a week for 6 weeks. This method includes stretching exercises for spastic muscles, strengthening exercises for the antagonist of the spastic muscle, and stabilization exercises. Group 2: Action Observation Therapy for the lower extremities will be applied to this group by their parents at home, 2 sessions a week for 6 weeks. Participants will be shown a video of a task by their parents at home. The video to be watched will include a total of 6 activities planned to be watched every week. These 6 activities; squatting and getting up by picking up an object from the ground, walking 10 steps between parallel lines, transferring weight forward with the right and left feet, walking 5 steps sideways to the right and left, kicking the ball, climbing the step from the front and side. The video clips will be watched 3 times and after a 1-minute rest following each viewing, the participants will be asked to repeat each activity in the videos 3 times and at the end of each clip. Group 3: Action Observation Therapy for the lower extremities will be applied by the therapist to this group, 2 sessions a week for 6 weeks. Participants will watch a video of a task presented by a therapist. The video to be watched will include a total of 6 activities planned to be watched every week. These 6 activities; squatting and getting up by picking up an object from the ground, walking 10 steps between parallel lines, transferring weight forward with the right and left feet, walking 5 steps sideways to the right and left, kicking the ball, climbing the step from the front and side. The video clips will be watched 3 times and after a 1-minute rest following each viewing, the participants will be asked to repeat each activity in the videos 3 times and at the end of each clip. After each session of Action Observation Therapy, 20 minutes of physiotherapy will be applied towards the goals of 6 activities. The scope of physiotherapy to be applied will consist of activity-based exercises for the lower extremities, stepping, weight transfer, balance and functionality.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
36
Action Observation Therapy (AOT) is among the neurorehabilitation approaches that enable motor learning by facilitating neuroplasticity. AOT is based on neuroscience and activation of the mirror neuron system. AOT occurs in the form of the observer following the motor action and performing the observed actions after observing the actions. AOT aims to improve different motor functions by providing motor learning through neuroplasticity activation.
Suleyman Demirel University
Isparta, Isparta, Turkey (Türkiye)
Change in Gross Motor Function measured by Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88)
Gross motor function will be assessed using the GMFM-88, which consists of five dimensions. The D (Standing) and E (Walking, Running, Jumping) dimensions will be used in this study. Each item is scored on a 0-3 scale, and total scores are expressed as a percentage. A higher score indicates better gross motor function. The change in GMFM-88 scores from baseline to 150 days after the intervention will be evaluated.
Time frame: Baseline and after 150 days
Change in muscle tone measured by Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS)
Muscle tone will be assessed using the MAS, a 6-point ordinal scale (0-4 with 1+ as an intermediate grade) that measures resistance during passive muscle stretching in individuals with upper motor neuron lesions. A higher score indicates greater spasticity.
Time frame: Baseline and after 150 days
Change in balance function measured by Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS)
Balance function will be assessed using the PBS, which evaluates functional balance during activities requiring stability and transitions between postures. The total score ranges from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating better balance performance.
Time frame: Baseline and after 150 days
Change in dynamic balance measured by Pediatric Reach Test (PRT)
Dynamic balance will be evaluated using the PRT, which measures the maximal reach distance in centimeters (forward, right, and left directions) while standing. Greater reach distance indicates better dynamic balance.
Time frame: Baseline and after 150 days
Change in functional mobility measured by Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)
Functional mobility will be assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test adapted for children with cerebral palsy. The time (in seconds) required to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn, return, and sit down will be recorded. A shorter time indicates better functional mobility.
Time frame: Baseline and after 150 days
Change in activity level measured by Goal Attainment Scale (GAS)
Activity levels will be assessed using the GAS, which measures achievement of individualized therapy goals. Each goal is rated on a 5-point scale from -2 (much less than expected) to +2 (much more than expected). A higher score reflects better goal attainment.
Time frame: Baseline and after 150 days
Change in participation measured by Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation (CASP)
Participation will be evaluated using the CASP, a caregiver-reported questionnaire assessing children's involvement in home, school, and community activities. The total score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores representing better participation.
Time frame: Baseline and after 150 days
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