Overview
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in childhood. Respiratory muscle weakness and a low upper to lower chest diameter ratio are common respiratory dysfunction manifestations in those children which negatively affect their quality of life..
Description
Objective: To compare the effectiveness of hydrotherapy versus aerobic exercise on pulmonary function in hemiplegic children with cerebral palsy. Methods: Sixty hemiplegic children (both genders) took part in this research, they were between the ages of 8 to 16, moreover, they were split equally between three groups (A, B and C). The three groups participated in the same conventional physical therapy, group (A) received conventional physical therapy only, group (B) received hydrotherapy, while group (C) received aerobic exercise. Pulmonary function tests are measured by Six-minute walk test (6-MWT) and Spirometer to measure Forced vital capacity (FVC), Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) as well as FEV1/FVC ratio for all children before the beginning and after the end of this study, the treatment program was applied three sessions per week for 12 consecutive weeks.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages ranged from 8 to 16 years.
- Belonged to levels I to II of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS).
- Spasticity ranged from grade 1 to grade 1+ according to Modified Ashwarth Scale. - Able to walk, no impairment of sensation or other neurological or psychological problems.
- Clinically and medically stable and able to understand and follow the instructions
Exclusion Criteria:
i) Visual and/or auditory defects. ii) Significant shortening and/or deformity of lower
extremities. iii) Other neurological problems that affect balance or mentality (e.g.
epilepsy) iv) Advanced radiographic alterations comprise (bone destruction, bony ankylosis,
knee joint sublaxation as well as epiphysial fracture).
v) Lower extremity skeletal abnormalities (whether congenital or acquired). vi)
Cardiopulmonary dysfunction.