Effect of Sensorimotor Training Using a Flexi-bar on Postural Balance and Gait Performance for Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Preliminary Study

• Published in: Han'guk Chŏnmun Mulli Ch'iryo Hakhoe chi = Journal of the Korean Academy of University Trained Physical Therapists Vol. 24; no. 2; pp. 58 - 65
• Main Authors: Ga, Hyun-you, Sim, Yon-ju, Moon, Il-young, Yun, Sung-joon, Yi, Chung-hwi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 한국전문물리치료학회 01.05.2017
• Subjects: 물리치료학
• ISSN: 1225-8962; 2287-982X
• DOI: 10.12674/ptk.2017.24.2.058

Background: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have impaired postural control, but critically require the control of stability. Consequently, therapeutic interventions for enhancing postural control in children with CP have undergone extensive research. One intervention is sensorimotor training (SMT) using a Flexi-bar, but this has not previously been studied with respect to targeting trunk control in children with CP. Objects: This study was conducted to determine the effect of SMT using a Flexi-bar on postural balance and gait performance in children with CP. Methods: Three children with ambulatory spastic diplegia (SD) participated in the SMT program by using a Flexi-bar for forty minutes per day, three times a week, for six weeks. Outcome variables included the pediatric balance scale (PBS), trunk control movement scale (TCMS), 10 meter walking test (10MWT), and 3-dimensional movement coordination measurement. Results: The SMT provided no statistically significant improvement in PBS, TCMS, 10MWT, or 3-dimensional movement coordination measurement. However, positive changes were observed in individual outcomes, as balance and trunk control movement were improved. Conclusion: SMT using a Flexi-bar may be considered by clinicians as a potential intervention for increasing postural balance and performance in children with SD. Future studies are necessary to confirm the efficacy of Flexi-bar exercise in improving the functional activity of subjects with SD. KCI Citation Count: 0