Comparing the Effects of NASM-Based Exercises and Common Interventions on Functional Balance in Children with Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy

Background: Balance disorders are among the most significant challenges faced by children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (SDCP). Objectives: This study investigates the effect of selected exercises from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) approach on the functional balance of children with SDCP. Methods: Thirty-eight children aged 4 to 10 years with SDCP were randomly assigned to either the control or experimental group. Inclusion criteria included grades 1 - 3 on the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Functional balance was assessed using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS). The experimental group participated in selected NASM exercises over eight weeks, with two sessions per week, while the control group received standard rehabilitation interventions, including neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) techniques, over the same period. Results: The ANCOVA results indicated no significant difference between the adjusted means of functional balance between the experimental and control groups. However, intra-group analysis using the dependent t-test showed a significant increase in average functional balance from pre-test to post-test within both groups. The control group exhibited a moderate effect size (effect size = 0.66), while the experimental group demonstrated a very large effect size (effect size = 1.17). Conclusions: National Academy of Sports Medicine exercises may serve as an effective alternative to conventional interventions for improving functional balance in children with SDCP.