Impact of vestibular-based intervention on movement and postural stability in children with spastic cerebral palsy: a single-blind randomized controlled trial.

What was studied

This trial tested swing work for kids with spastic cerebral palsy. It took in 80 children aged 6-12 with the diplegic type. All were at the same level on a motor skill scale. Each child was put in a group by chance, in equal numbers. One group got usual care only. The other got usual care plus 30 minutes of swing work. This had 10 minutes to prepare the senses and 20 on the swing. Movement, balance and body position sense were tested before and after.

What they found

Their average age was 8.44 years. After the sessions, the swing group gained on all parts of a motor test. The authors say these gains were clear in statistical terms. The swing group also showed clear gains in balance. Gains were also seen in sense of movement and body position. The abstract does not label which scores belong to which group. It does not report a direct test between the groups.

What it means for patients

The authors say adding swing work to usual care improved these kids. They saw gains in sensing, balance and large body movement. This finding comes from kids at one level of the motor scale. The authors want future studies on walking at other levels.

Why it is not certain yet

The trial had 80 children from one clinic. All had one type and level of cerebral palsy. Tests were done only before and after the sessions. The abstract does not say how long any gains lasted. It also does not report on harms. The abstract does not say who was kept unaware of the groups.

Source

Impact of vestibular-based intervention on movement and postural stability in children with spastic cerebral palsy: a single-blind randomized controlled trial.

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