Authors: Viorica Simona Sturza (Mclaughlin)1, Nicolae Neagu1, Cristina Vereș1, Ioan Sabin Sopa2, Roxana Mihaela Munteanu1, Dan Alexandru Szabo1
Affiliation
1 George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology, Târgu Mureş, Romania
2 Lucian Blaga University, Sibiu, Romania
Abstract
Background. The development of the nervous system is a long-term and very complex process; at birth, the cerebral hemispheres are well outlined, and the maturation process continues at an accelerated rate. In cerebral palsy, there is damage or lack of development in one or more brain areas. The term “cerebral palsy” has been around for over a century.
Aims. Through this research, we wanted to highlight the importance and effectiveness of physical therapy in recovering children with cerebral palsy. An effective recovery program is adapted, specific and individualised to the needs of each child.
Methods. The research was conducted within the Maria Beatrice Socio-Medical Complex in Alba Iulia. It is a daycare center for recovering disabled children, especially those diagnosed with infantile cerebral palsy. This was comparative, prospective and interventional and took place over six months between 10.01.2022-10.06.2022. In the implemented study, 20 subjects participated; they were selected based on some inclusion criteria, namely: to be aged between 5 and 12 years, to be classified in GMFCS stage I or II, and not to present comorbidities such as hydrocephalus, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, or surgery that involved joint replacements in the lower limbs and spine surgery. The subjects in the experimental group benefited in addition to the control group from 16 minutes of exercises using the Galileo Board at each physical therapy session. The subjects were divided into two equal groups/groups, namely: group 1, the experimental group consisting of 5 girls and 5 boys aged between 6 and 11 years, classified as GMFCS stages I and II, and group 2, the control group, which also consists of 5 girls and 5 boys between the ages of 5 and 13 and placed in GMFCS stages I and II.
Results. The highlighted percentage results of this study confirm the importance and effectiveness of physical therapy in the recovery of a child with infantile cerebral palsy spastic paraparesis. After the final assessment, itwas observed that each child evidenced an increase in gross motor function.
Conclusions. This study again confirms the importance of physical therapy in recovering a child with a cerebral motor disability and spas tic paraparesis. In collaboration with other supportive therapies, physical therapy contributes to independence and allows the child to enjoy a high quality of life.
Keywords: cerebral palsy, physical therapy, recovery programs, motor disability, quality of life.
Neuromotor rehabilitation of the child with infantile cerebral palsy – spastic paraparesis
