Effects of Reverse Walking with And Without Whole Body Vibration on Postural Balance and Quality of Life in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Background: Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of spasticity and physical disability in children, and spasticity is one of the most common problems in those with neurological disease. It produces non-progressive brain abnormalities, resulting in mobility difficulties and influencing sensation, perception, cognition, behavior, and communication. Spasticity, dyskinesia, and hyperreflexia impair motor control of walking, reaching, and object-gripping precision

Objective: To determine the effects of reverse walking with and without Whole-body vibration on postural balance in children with cerebral palsy.

Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 22 subjects aged 6–12 years from both genders and confirmed diagnosis of cerebral palsy having GMFCS levels I & II were included. The study was conducted in Hussain Memorial Hospital, Lahore, over the duration of 6 months. The subjects were divided into two groups; Group A was treated with (Whole Body Vibration + Reverse Walking), and Group B was treated with Reverse Walking alone. They received treatment sessions for 3 days/week for 3 months. Outcomes were measured at baseline and at 12^th weeks. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 26.

Results: It shows statistically significant results as p= <.001. So, we reject the null hypothesis. Indicates that the mean difference in group A is more than the mean difference in group B, which shows that the whole-body vibration + reverse walking was more effective than reverse walking alone in improving postural balance, reach, and quality of life in cerebral palsy.

Conclusions: The current study concluded that reverse walking with and without whole body vibration was effective in improving postural balance, reach, and quality of life in cerebral palsy children. However, whole body vibration and reverse walking provide more clinical benefits than reverse walking alone in improving postural balance, side reach, and quality of life. Whereas both techniques were equally effective in improving forward reach in cerebral palsy children.