Comparison between Task - Oriented Training and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Exercises on Lower Extremity Function in Cerebral Palsy-A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Cerebral Palsy is a spacious term which highlights an extensive gamut of motor affliction which has a stagnant tendency. The estimated Cerebral Palsy is indeed very prevalent in developed nations 2 out of the next 1000 live births and neonatal survivors. Among several Cerebral Palsy comes in a variety of manifestations. Spastic Diplegia is common in a majority of Preterm babies. Several treatment strategies of Physical therapy are utilized for Spastic Diplegia. This research focusses on assessing the Efficiency of Pelvic Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) techniques over the Dimensions of Balance and Gait in children with Spastic Diplegia. Objective: To evaluate the Effectiveness and impact of the techniques of Pelvic Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) on Balance, Gait Parameters and Pelvic Asymmetry in children having Spastic Diplegia. Methods: In this Randomized Clinical Trial, subjects (n= 40) having Spastic Diplegia will be selected and segregated in two groups using simple random sampling method with 1:1 allocation ratio. The allocation will be done through sequentially numbered opaque sealed envelope (SNOSE). Subjects in the experimental group will receive Pelvic PNF techniques like Rhythmic initiation and Slow reversal with Task- Oriented training which will contain sit to stand exercises, walking on the ground and reaching tasks for improving the balance and those in the other group will be given only Task- Oriented training for 4 weeks following baseline assessments. Throughout the treatment session and following 4 weeks follow up will be taken by assessing the Balance and Gait parameters of the subjects. The study duration will. be of 1 year. Subjects with Spastic Diplegia with an age group of 8 to 12 years who are able to do independent sitting, who are coming under GMFCS level I to III and those who are having pelvic asymmetry will be included in the study while subjects who had any surgery of spine or lower limb in past 6 months, who are having fixed deformities of spine or lower limb or any fracture or dislocation of spine or lower limb will be excluded from the study. Results: Results will be recorded by using the outcome measures and instruments such as Pediatric Balance Scale, Gait Parameters and Palpation meter device at the end of the intervention and the effects of Pelvic PNF techniques will be compared with the other group which will receive Task oriented training. The statistical analysis will be done by using paired t test but if the data does not follow a normal distribution then Wilcoxon sign rank test will be used. Discussion: The intention and motive of the study is to check the Effectiveness of Pelvic Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation techniques on Balance and Gait Parameters in children with Spastic Diplegia. Conclusion: The conclusion of this research is to acquire the fruitfulness of Approaches of Pelvic PNF on Balance and Gait Parameters in children having Spastic Diplegia.

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Metabolic syndrome and the benefit of a physical activity intervention on lower-extremity function: Results from a randomized clinical trial

Experimental Gerontology ◽

10.1016/j.exger.2021.111343 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 111343

Author(s):

Anda Botoseneanu ◽

Haiying Chen ◽

Walter T. Ambrosius ◽

Heather G. Allore ◽

Stephen Anton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Clinical Trial ◽

Lower Extremity ◽

Randomized Clinical Trial ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Lower Extremity Function ◽

Extremity Function

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A Novel Virtual Reality Training Strategy for Poststroke Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Journal of Healthcare Engineering ◽

10.1155/2021/6598726 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Naveed Anwar ◽

Hossein Karimi ◽

Ashfaq Ahmad ◽

Nazia Mumtaz ◽

Ghulam Saqulain ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Virtual Reality ◽

Physical Therapy ◽

Lower Extremity ◽

Randomized Clinical Trial ◽

Virtual Reality Training ◽

Lower Extremity Function ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Extremity Function ◽

Significant Difference

Stroke patients suffer impairments including sensory, motor, visual, and cognitive areas, as well as gait and balance manifestations making activities of daily living difficult. In such conditions, virtual reality training can be a potential rehabilitation tool in comparison to conventional physical therapy to cater to the burden of this disability; hence, this randomized clinical trial compared the effects of virtual reality training and conventional physical therapy on balance and lower extremity function in stroke patients. The sample of 68 poststroke participants from Kanaan Physical Therapy and Spine Clinic, Lahore, Pakistan, were divided into N = 34 cases each using the lottery method with one group given virtual reality training and the other received conventional physical therapy. Each group received 60 minutes intervention, 3 days per week for 6 weeks. The Berg balance scale and the Fugl-Meyer assessment-lower extremity scale were employed for data collection preintervention, immediate postintervention, and 6 weeks postintervention. The statistically significant differences between virtual reality and conventional physical therapy groups for the Berg Balance score ( p < 0.001 ), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA)-lower extremity domains of FMA-motor function ( p < 0.001 ), FMA-joint pain, and joint range ( p < 0.001 ); however, there is no significant difference p = 0.202 for time vs. group interaction and significant ( p < 0.001 ) for the time main effect for FMA sensation. Hence, virtual reality training is more effective to restore balance and lower extremity function compared to conventional physical therapy in stroke patients. The results of the study have significant implications for the clinicians with better case management enhancing quality of life of patients along with the dearth of local literature, thus providing base for future research from a developing country’s perspective.

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