The Family Role in the Rehabilitation Process of Children with Cerebral Palsy Using the Biofeedback Technology: a Randomized Controlled Study

INTRODUCTION. Due to the growing prevalence of patients with cerebral palsy, unfavorable prognosis for full recovery in most cases and the need to overcome daily difficulties associated with limited motor activity and associated symptoms of the disease, special attention should be paid to the development of effective methods of rehabilitation in parallel with improving the quality of life of such patients and their family members. AIM. To study the effect of rehabilitation of pediatric patients with cerebral palsy using the technology of “non-invasive brain-computer interface-hand exoskeleton” on the physical, mental state of patients and the role of the family in the process of rehabilitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study involved 108 children suffering from cerebral palsy was carried out. Of these, 83 children underwent rehabilitation using robotic complexes “non-invasive brain-computer-exohand interface”, 25 children with cerebral palsy formed the control group. All children participating in the study underwent a psychophysiological tests before and after the rehabilitation course. The level of arm motor activity and spasticity, the ability to perform daily living motor skills, and psychological state were assessed in comparison with the control group. A questionnaire was administered to the parents of patients before and after the course of treatment. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. Statistically significant changes in both neurological and psychological indicators were identified after the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy in the “Exohand-2” and “Junior” groups. The ability to perform daily tasks improved, household skills and self-care abilities increased (z = 5.938, p = 0.0001), spasticity levels decreased (for the right (z = 4.720, p = 0.0001) and left (z = 4.742, p = 0.0001) hands), and hand muscle strength increased (z = 6.092, p = 0.0001). There were also positive changes in the level of daily activity (z = 5.776, p = 0.0001). An increase in self-esteem scores was observed (z = 2.58, p = 0.003). The observed changes led to a decrease in dependence on others and had a positive impact on family relationships. Changes in the attitude of parents to the rehabilitation process were noted. Parents participated in the discussion of the results, noted positive changes in their children’s condition, and the emotional atmosphere in the family improved after the rehabilitation course. CONCLUSION. The results obtained indicate the effectiveness of the method of rehabilitation of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy using robotic complexes “non-invasive brain-computer-exohand interface” and the need for special attention to the quality of life of patients with cerebral palsy and their parents, since psychological support of family members increases commitment to the rehabilitation process.