Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition characterized by various motor disorders and limitations caused by brain damage. Neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) is one of the primary approaches in the rehabilitation of individuals with CP. In recent years, technological rehabilitation methods, including robotic rehabilitation, have become more widespread. This study aimed to investigate the effects of robotic rehabilitation applied in addition to neurodevelopmental treatment on the lower extremity and trunk functions in children with CP. Fifteen children with CP participated in the study. The motor levels of the participants were assessed using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), gross motor functions with the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88), spasticity with the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), sitting balance with the Seated Postural Control Measure (SPCM) and Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS), balance with the Becure Balance System and Timed Up and Go Test, and selective motor control with the Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity (SCALE). After these assessments, the participants received NDT five times a week for a total of 20 sessions, each lasting 45 minutes, followed by reevaluation. After a two-week break, robotic rehabilitation was applied in addition to NDT for 20 sessions, with each session lasting 25 minutes, and evaluations were repeated.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
15
Neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) was applied as a conventional physiotherapy program focusing on facilitating normal movement patterns and improving postural control. Each session lasted 45 minutes and included weight-shifting exercises in crawling, sitting, kneeling, and standing positions; facilitation techniques; proprioceptive, auditory, and visual stimulation; isolated strengthening exercises for upper and lower extremities; and proprioceptive training. The intervention was delivered 5 times per week for 4 weeks (total of 20 sessions).
Robotic rehabilitation (RB) was administered using the LokoHelp Gait Trainer, a body-weight-supported treadmill system designed for locomotor training. The device enables gait practice with appropriate posture and movement patterns without continuous manual assistance. Each session included 25 minutes of robotic-assisted gait training, with speed and incline adjusted according to participant tolerance. RB was applied 5 times per week for 4 weeks (total of 20 sessions) in combination with neurodevelopmental treatment.
Istanbul Medipol University, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department
Istanbul, Beykoz, Turkey (Türkiye)
Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity (SCALE)
Selective motor control was assessed using the Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity (SCALE). SCALE evaluates selective voluntary motor control of the hip, knee, ankle, subtalar, and toe joints bilaterally. Participants were instructed to perform each movement within 3 seconds. Each joint was scored based on performance as follows: normal selective motor control (2 points), impaired selective motor control (1 point), and inability to perform selective motor control (0 points). The total score was calculated by summing the scores of all joints. The maximum possible score is 20 points (10 points for each extremity), and the minimum score is 0. Higher scores indicate better selective motor control.
Time frame: Baseline (T0), after 4 weeks of NDT intervention (fourth week - T1) and after 4 weeks of NDT+RB intervention (tenth week - T2)
The Seated Postural Control Measure (SPCM)
Seated postural control was assessed using the Seated Postural Control Measure (SPCM). The scale evaluates postural alignment and functional performance in the sitting position. It consists of three sections: demographic information, postural alignment during sitting, and upper extremity function. Postural deviations are rated on a 4-point scale (1 = poor, 4 = good), with higher scores indicating better postural control. The maximum score is 88 for the postural alignment section and 48 for the upper extremity function section.
Time frame: Baseline (T0), after 4 weeks of NDT intervention (fourth week - T1) and after 4 weeks of NDT+RB intervention (tenth week - T2)
Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88)
Gross motor function was assessed using the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88). The scale consists of 88 items grouped into five domains: lying and rolling (17 items), sitting (20 items), crawling and kneeling (14 items), standing (13 items), and walking, running, and jumping (24 items). It is used to evaluate and classify functional motor abilities in children with motor impairments. Each item is scored on a 4-point scale ranging from 0 to 3. The maximum possible score is 264, and the minimum score is 0. Higher scores indicate better gross motor function and greater levels of functional independence.
Time frame: Baseline (T0), after 4 weeks of NDT intervention (fourth week - T1) and after 4 weeks of NDT+RB intervention (tenth week - T2)
Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS)
Trunk control was assessed using the Trunk Control Measurement (TCMS), which evaluates both static and dynamic sitting balance. The scale consists of two main domains subdivided into three sections with a total of 15 items. It includes two items assessing static sitting balance and one domain assessing dynamic sitting balance parameters. The total score ranges from 0 to 58, with higher scores indicating better trunk control. Assessments were performed with children seated in a standardized position (hips and knees in 90° flexion, feet in contact with the ground, and without back support).
Time frame: Baseline (T0), after 4 weeks of NDT intervention (fourth week - T1) and after 4 weeks of NDT+RB intervention (tenth week - T2)
Time Up and Go Test (TUG)
Functional mobility, gait speed, postural balance, and dynamic stability were assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Participants were instructed to stand up from a standard chair, walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back to the chair, and sit down again. The total time required to complete the task was recorded in seconds. The test was performed twice, and the best performance was used for analysis. Higher completion time indicates poorer functional mobility and balance performance.
Time frame: Baseline (T0), after 4 weeks of NDT intervention (fourth week - T1) and after 4 weeks of NDT+RB intervention (tenth week - T2)
Becure Balance System
Static balance was assessed using a computerized balance platform system providing objective postural stability data. Participants stood on a balance board in a double-leg stance for 30 seconds under two conditions: eyes open and eyes closed. The system recorded center of pressure (CoP) displacement in the X-Y plane and postural sway area during standing. Outcome variables included postural sway parameters reflecting static balance control. Higher sway values indicate poorer postural stability.
Time frame: Baseline (T0), after 4 weeks of NDT intervention (fourth week - T1) and after 4 weeks of NDT+RB intervention (tenth week - T2)
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