الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Background: Children with spastic diplegia commonly have balance problems which increase the risk of falls. Purpose of study: This study aimed at investigating the effect of sensory integration therapy on balance and functional mobility in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Material and Methods: A sample of forty children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, of both sexes, their ages were ranged fromsix to ten years, were selected from the Outpatient Clinic of the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University and Abu Rish Japanese Hospital. The children were randomly assigned intotwo equal groups: control group and study group. Balance was assessed using Biodex balance system (anteroposterior stability index, mediolateral stability index and overall stability index) and functional mobility was assessed using Timed Up and Go test.The control group received a selected physical therapy (including balance training program), while the study group received the previouslymentionedselected physical therapy program modified to increase sensory input. Treatment sessions were conducted for both groups for 1 hour once a day, three times per a week for two successive months. Results: The results revealed that improvement of all measured parameters regarding anteroposterior, mediolateral, overall stability indices and Timed Up and Go of both groups, but there was a significant improvement in favor of study group as anteroposterior stability index (p= 0.01), mediolateral stability index (p= 0.01), overall stability index (p= 0.005) and Timed Up and Go (p=0.01). Conclusion: Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT) could be used as a safe and effective method for improving balance and functional mobility for children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy |