Comparison of Three Treatment in Children With Cerebral Palsy

In this study, considering the importance of walking and balance functions in improving the quality of life and achieving independence in children with cerebral palsy, it was aimed to examine whether core stabilization exercises specifically designed for children with cerebral palsy have an impact on improving balance and walking functions as well as quality of life. Additionally, the study sought to determine whether this approach has superiority over conventional balance exercises.

Children with cerebral palsy included in the study were randomized into three groups using block randomization based on age, type of cerebral palsy and the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Children with cerebral palsy aged 7-18 years were included. Group 1 (study group, n=12) received neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT) combined with core stabilization exercises (CSE). Group 2 (study group, n=12) received NDT combined with balance exercises (BE). The control group (n=12) received only NDT. Treatments were conducted for 60 minutes per session, three times a week, over 8 weeks, for a total of 24 sessions, with an equal duration across groups. Participants' balance was evaluated using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) and the SportKat 550® device. The Trunk Involvement Scale (TIS) was used to measure trunk impairment, the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) to assess functional mobility and walking capacity and the Pediatric Outcome Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) to evaluate quality of life. All assessments were performed by the same physiotherapist before and after treatment