IntroductionA large majority of hemiplegic cerebral palsy children demonstrate poor balance, which leads to poor gait and impaired reaching movements as the maintenance of stability is critical to all movements. Various approaches and strategies are used to improve balance; task-oriented training is one of them. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of task-oriented training on balance in spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsied children.MethodsOverall, 30 spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy children who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated into 2 equal groups (control and study group). The control group received a selected therapeutic exercise program for 90 min. The study group received the same program for 60 min and task-oriented training for 30 min. The total treatment provided for both groups was 90 min/day, 3 days/week for 4 successive months. Baseline and post-treatment assessment of each child with regard to overall, anteroposterior, and mediolateral stability indices was performed by using the Biodex Balance System.ResultsChildren in both groups showed significant improvements in post-treatment mean values of all measured variables when compared with the pre-treatment mean values (p < 0.05). Significant improvement was observed in favour of the study group when comparing the post-treatment mean values of both groups.ConclusionsTask-oriented training is a useful tool that can be applied in improving balance in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Background: Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) in adolescence is common and crucial problem that affects a child's ability to function in daily life, their relationships with others, their happiness, and their mental health. Also, it may become compounded into adulthood. Williams and McKenzie exercises are the most commonly used to treat patient's back pain. Objective: This study aimed to compare between Mckenzie and William exercises regarding their affection pain, spinal flexibility and balance for adolescents with NSLBP. Patients and methods: A total of 34 adolescent males with NSLBP participated in this study. Those who met the criteria for inclusion, were divided randomly into two groups; Group A received Mckenzie extension exercises; and Group B received William flexion exercises. Data was collected from groups pre-treatment, 2 and 4 weeks post-treatment (Post I and II) regarding visual analogue scale, flexibility score, vestibular balance and balance board scores. Results: Comparative analysis showed that both groups were similar at baselines. Patients in both study groups showed significant reduction of pain and improvement in spinal flexibility and balance. No significant differences were observed between the effectiveness of McKenzie and William exercises on pain, flexibility and balance for treating NSLBP in adolescents. Conclusions: Both McKenzie extension exercises and William flexion exercises are effective in treating adolescents with NSLBP. The effectiveness of both exercises regarding pain, spinal flexibility and balance were comparable.

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the common movement disorder in children associated with life-long disability and multiple impairments. Their clinical manifestations vary among children and have a broad spectrum. Numerous physical therapy techniques are currently used for treatment as kinesio taping (KT) and electrical stimulation (ES) program training for anterior tibial group muscles. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the outcomes of using those techniques on balance in cerebral palsy children. Methods: Sixty spastic CP children, their age ranged from four to six years were randomized and split equally between the diplegic CP group (15 received KT; eight boys, seven girls with mean±standard deviation 4.9±0.60 years and 15 received ES; six boys, nine girls with mean± standard deviation 4.92±0.78 years), and hemiparetic CP group (15 received KT; eight boys, seven girls with mean±standard deviation 4.83±0.49 years and 15 received ES; six boys, nine girls with mean age 4.49±0.37 years).Participants were evaluated with the Biodex system before and after six months of treatment. Results: Significant improvement was observed in the measured variables of the two groups when comparing their pre and post treatment mean values, significant improvement in comparing post treatment results in favor of KT in diplegic children and in favor of ES in hemiparetic children. Conclusion: Kinesio taping and electrical stimulation can be useful options to promote balance of children with CP with more pronounced effect of KT in diplegic type and ES in hemiparetic type.

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Background: Torsional disorders and flexed knee gait are frequently pronounced in spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) children. Identification of these anomalies is essential as they affect postural control and balance reactions. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between femoral anteversion(FA) angle, knee angle and balance in spastic diplegic CP children. Methods: Cross-sectional correlational design utilizing a sample of 40 spastic diplegic children (21 girls and 19 boys). Their ages ranged from 5 to7 years with mean±standard deviation 6.04±0.47 years. FA, knee flexion angles and balance were measured by3-D axial CT scan, two digital cameras with the resultant captured video processed using Tracker Video Analysis and Pediatric Balance Scale, respectively. Results: Data analysis revealed that there were statistically significant moderate negative correlations between FA angles for both sides and balance scores. Strong statistically significant negative association was found between knee flexion angles and balance scores for both sides. The correlations between FA angles and knee flexion angles were found to be statistically significant strong positive association (p<0.05). Conclusion: Increased femoral anteversion has positive correlation with knee flexion angle and negative correlation with balance in diplegic CP children. These results provide objective information in formulation of rehabilitation strategies to select appropriate treatments for functional abnormalities.

Feeding difficulties are common in children with diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Swallowing difficulties, extended feeding times, poor postural control, frequent chocking/coughing, trouble drinking, and frequent vomiting are the most common feeding challenges. The dysfunctional daily eating activities among these population result in reduced quality of life, limited functional performance, and they become dependent in most of oral health care and mealtimes.The specific nature and severity of the feeding problems may differ to some degree, in relation to sensorimotor impairment, gross and fine motor limitations. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of electrical stimulation on oro-motor skills and gross motor abilities in children with diplegic cerebral palsy and to find out if there was a relationship between them. Eighteen children with diplegic cerebral palsy aged from 3 to 5 years from both sexes participated in this study. They received a designed physical therapy, oromotor exercises for 60 minutes followed by electrical stimulation for 40 minutes. The treatment was conducted two sessions per week for three successive months. Data obtained from both groups pre treatment and post treatment regarding Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88), Oral Motor Assessment Scale (OMAS).

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