HEMİPARETİK SEREBRAL PALSİLİ ÇOCUKLARDA EV EGZERSİZİ OLARAK UYGULANAN AYNA TEDAVİSİNİN EL BECERİLERİ ÜZERİNE ETKİSİ

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mirror therapy applied as a home exercise on manual dexterity in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy. Methods: A total of 23 children with hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy (CP) aged 4-18 years were included in the study. Children in the study groups were determined by randomization method. All participants were recruited from Denizli Yağmur Çocukları Private Education and Rehabilitation Center and Esenyurt Private Education and Rehabilitation Center. In this context, children with hemiparetic CP were evaluated using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Manual Skills Classification System (MDSS), Nine Hole Peg Test, scales. In total, both groups of children received Bobath Therapy for 8 weeks, while the children in the study group were given mirror exercises as an additional home exercise and monitored by teleconference and video recording. Results: In the study, it was found that Mirror Therapy Applied as Home Exercise to the children in the study group under the supervision of a physiotherapist and family for eight weeks had a significant effect on manual dexterity (p<0.05). Some children in the control group showed minimal improvement (p<0.05). Mirror therapy applied as a home exercise was found to be more effective in increasing manual dexterity in children with hemiparetic CP (p<0.05).