Effects of Spider Cage Therapy on Motor Control in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Background: Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive neurological disorder characterised by abnormalities in posture and movement due to brain injury occurring during fetal life or postnatally. Its causes may include oxygen deficiency, jaundice, prematurity, or traumatic brain infections. Children with cerebral palsy often present with motor and sensory impairments, as well as visual, auditory, and cognitive deficits. Spider cage therapy, also known as the universal cage unit, is a three-dimensional metal structure used in rehabilitation protocols for neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, stroke, spina bifida, and spinal cord injury. This therapy involves elastic cords attached to a belt at the waist of the child, supporting functional motor training including kneeling, half-kneeling, single-leg standing, and jumping. Objective: To evaluate the effects of spider cage therapy on motor control in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Methodology: This randomised controlled trial included children aged 4 to 10 years diagnosed with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, assessed using the Gross Motor Function Classification System and the Modified Ashworth scale. Children with severe disabilities, seizure instability, mental retardation, multiple contractures, bone diseases, deformities, or a history of meningitis were excluded. Participants were recruited from Mubarak Medical Complex, Khawaja Arshad Hospital, and DHQ Sargodha. After obtaining informed consent, participants were randomly allocated into two groups using the lottery method. The experimental group received spider cage therapy along with general warm-up exercises, 5 days a week for 4 months, targeting motor control activities such as kneeling, half-kneeling, single-leg standing, and jumping. The control group received conventional physiotherapy, consisting of warm-up and stretching exercises, five days a week for four months. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 9 weeks post-intervention. Results: The experimental group demonstrated greater improvement in motor control activities compared to the control group across all assessment points. This therapy contributed to enhanced postural stability and functional motor tasks. Conclusion: Spider cage therapy is an effective rehabilitation intervention for improving motor control in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. It provides postural support and resistance training that enhances motor function, particularly in weight-bearing and dynamic balance activities.