Effect of Action Observation Training on Gross Motor Functions in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Background: A non-progressive damage to the prenatal brain causes cerebral palsy (CP), a neuromuscular developmental condition. A permanent motor disability that impacts postural development and movement is the outcome. The most prevalent kind of CP that causes issues with posture and gait control is spastic diplegic CP. Objective: The study was conducted to examine the impact of the action observation training (AOT) on gross motor functions (GMFs) in children with spastic diplegia. Patients and Methods: Thirty children aged from four to seven years diagnosed with spastic diplegia, were involved in this study. They were divided into two equal groups using random assignment. The participated children in both groups were given a designed physiotherapy program three times per week for two consecutive months. The study group was given the same physiotherapy program in addition to AOT. GMF of all children participating in both groups was assessed by gross motor function measure (GMFM) walking, running and jumping domain. Results: GMF improved significantly in both groups after treatment. When the results between the two groups were compared post-treatment, the results revealed a significant improvement in favor of the study group. Conclusion: This prospective study demonstrated beneficial effects of two months of physical therapy exercises combined with AOT on gross motor abilities in children with diplegia.