The Effect of a Short-Term Functional Training Program on Motor Skill Improvement in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Objective: The aim of this study is to prove the effect of a short-term functional training program on motor skill improvement in children with Cerebral palsy. Methods and Materials: The research method used was a true-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group design. A total of 20 male children with spastic CP, aged 10-22 years, were recruited from Sekolah Luar Biasa Tunadaksa Ringan (SLB D) Surakarta were randomly selected to be divided into two groups: control group without intervention (CGWI, n=10) and functional training intervention group (FTIG, n=10). The functional training program was carried out for 6 weeks with a frequency of 3x/week. Data collection involved measuring motor skills, such as hand-eye coordination using a ball throw and catch test with a tennis ball for 60 seconds. Hand muscle strength was evaluated using a Hand Grip Dynamometer. Data analysis was conducted using paired sample t-tests with a significance level of 5%. Findings: The results of the analysis showed a significant difference in muscle strength between the control group without intervention (CGWI) and the functional training intervention group (FTIG) (Cohen's d = 7.242, p=0.001). Meanwhile, coordination there was also a significant difference (Cohen's d = 10.531, p=0.001). Conclusion: This program shows potential as a valuable therapeutic intervention to enhance daily functioning and independence in children with CP.