EFFECTIVENESS OF GAIT TRAINING IN SPASTIC DIPLEGIC CHILDREN: A PHYSIOTHERAPY PERSPECTIVE

Background: Cerebral palsy is defined as a non-progressive insult to a developing or immature central nervous system (CNS), particularly to those areas that affect motor function. People with spastic diplegia typically walk slowly and have difficulty in performing activities such as walking up and down steps or running. People with spastic diplegia typically walk slowly and have difficulty in performing activities such as walking up and down steps or running. Purpose of the study: The aim of this study is to find out that whether quadriceps strengthening can improve the gait and if this exercise protocol is successful then it can be implemented for children with spastic diplegia. Method: 30 Spastic diplegic children of both genders with age 4-12 years satisfying inclusion criteria were included for the study. The children were divided in two groups Group A( Experimental Group) and Group B (Control Group) having 15 children each. Cadence and distance covered in 3 min walk test was calculated before the test and was documented as Pre test Score.This assessment was done by making the child to walk in room with a length of 10 meter. Two bright coloured poles were kept at the end of 8 meters and the child was asked to walk around it.The researcher assessed initially the cadence Then a rest period of 10 minutes was given and 3 minute walk test was performed. Time was calculated by stop watch. The interventions were given for 5 days a week for 2 weeks and each session lasted for 90 minutes. Group A was given Stretching exercises, quadriceps strengthening exercises with free ankle weights half squats, sit to stand and step ups. Group B was administered only conventional exercises. Post treatment data was taken and statistical analysis was performed. Results: The results of unpaired t-test comparing the difference of pre and post treatment values of Group A and Group B showed improvement in mean difference in values of cadence (t=12.2, p=0.000) and distance ambulated in 3 Minute Walk Test(t=14.627, p=0.000).Conclusion: The results of this randomized clinical trial support the view that two weeks of strengthening program was effective in increasing cadence and distance walked in three min walk test in children with spastic diplegia