Functional Outcomes of Intensive Physical Therapy Program in Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy
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Abstract
Background: Cerebral palsy is a chronic disorder characterized by impairments in gross and fine motor movement and posture, resulting from injury to the developing brain during prenatal, perinatal, or postnatal periods. This condition causes various challenges, including mental deficiencies, hearing issues, and motor problems. Spastic diplegic cerebral palsy is a prevalent subtype, which significantly affects motor function and independence.
Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an intensive physical therapy program on improving motor functions in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy across different age groups.
Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted over six months at Mobility Quest Lahore, involving 18 children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling and divided into two age groups: 3 to 6 years (10 children) and >6 to 9 years (8 children). The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) was used to assess motor function. Children received intensive physical therapy for 5 days a week, 4 hours a day, for 4 weeks, totaling 112 sessions. Statistical analyses, including single and paired T-tests, were performed using SPSS version 25.
Results: The mean change in GMFM scores for ages 3 to 6 was 6.17 (±0.52), and for >6 to 9, it was 4.96 (±0.01). Both age groups showed significant improvement, with p-values < 0.05.
Conclusion: The intensive physical therapy program significantly improved gross motor function in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, especially in younger children, highlighting the importance of early intervention
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