Investigation of the effect of sensorimotor exercises on proprioceptive perceptions among children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy

Abstract

Study design: This is a blinded randomized clinical trial.

Introduction: Sensorimotor exercises may be an effective, noninvasive treatment modality for treating patients with pediatric spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP).

Purpose of the study: We aim to evaluate the effect of sensorimotor exercises on the proprioceptive capability among children with spastic hemiplegic CP.

Methods: This randomized clinical trial was performed on children with spastic hemiplegic CP. Thirty children aged 8 to 12 years old, with spastic hemiplegic CP, were randomly selected and equally divided into experimental and control groups (N = 15 for each). A joint positioning test was used to measure the patients' baseline proprioceptive ability. The exercise program included sensory and motor exercises which lasted for 8 weeks (three 60-min sessions per week). The data were analyzed by using Welch and paired-sample t-test at the significance level of P < .05.

Results: The results indicated that the proprioceptive capability of the upper limb could significantly improve (P = .001, effect size = 0.41, observed power = 0.99) by using simultaneous exercising of the sensorimotor complex. The mean increased from 8.53 ± 1.6 to 10.53 ± 1.19 in the experimental group, whereas it changed from 6.66 ± 3.44 to 6.73 ± 3.15 in the control group.

Discussion: In consistent with other studies, the exercises used in the present study enhanced the proprioceptive capability but not sensory performance of the hands of children with hemiplegic. Synchronous sensory and motor training in children with hemiplegic CP may improve the function and organization of the somatosensory cortex and reduce sensory disturbances. Although parents were subjectively satisfied with the outcome of the exercises, such as independency and life style, however these recordings were not measured in this study.

Conclusion: Implementing simultaneous sensorimotor exercises can improve the proprioceptive capability of the hand. Therefore, these exercises can be used in the rehabilitation programs to meet the children's needs with hemiplegic CP.

Keywords: Cerebral palsy; Proprioception; Sensorimotor exercises; Spastic hemiplegia.