Investigation of the Effectiveness of Visual Feedback Training on Upper Extremity Functions in Cerebral Palsy

Investigation of the Effectiveness of Visual Feedback Training on Upper Extremity Functions

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of Cogniboard® Light Trainer, an education device with visual feedback that is added to the Neurodevelopmental Therapy Method (NDT) based upper extremity rehabilitation in children with cerebral palsy, on upper extremity functions such as joint range of motion (ROM), muscle tone, grip strength, pinch strength and functional abilities.

Children with the diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy, aged between 4 and 18 years were included in the study, who were volunteered to participate. The participants were randomly assigned into two groups; A total of 16 sessions of rehabilitation program were applied for 2 days a week for 8 weeks. The treatment programs applied are; Group I: NDT based upper extremity rehabilitation, Group II: NDT based upper extremity rehabilitation + Cogniboard® Light Trainer training. In the cases, pre- and post-treatment spasticity was defined with 'Modified Ashworth Scale'; upper extremity joint range of motion (ROM) with 'goniometer'; grip and pinch strength with 'dynamometer'; hand skills with 'Minnesota Hand Skill Test'; functional abilities with 'Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and functional level with 'Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS)'.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Having the diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy (CP),
• Aged between 4-18,
• Having 1+ upper extremity spasticity at max according to the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS),
• To be able to cooperate with exercises

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having mental retardation report,
• Having congenital deformities,
• Epilepsy history,
• Having cardiac, orthopedic, visual and hearing problems,
• Application of Botulinum Toxin (BOTOX) to the upper extremity in past six month.