Targeted Ballet Class for Cerebral Palsy

Targeted Ballet Class for Increased Range of Motion and Stretch Reflex Regulation in Cerebral Palsy

This study aims to investigate the effect of the targeted ballet dance on participants with cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disorder in childhood, with a prevalence of 3.1 to 3.6 cases per 1000 living births in the United States. The motor signs of CP include abnormal muscle tone and motor control, preventing individuals with CP from participating in normal daily activity. The most common type of CP is spastic CP, in which spasticity is present and range of motion in the joints is reduced. Physical therapy is one fundamental method of rehabilitation that attempts to recover motor function via exercises, while the effects of physical therapy are still elusive due to the lack of comprehensive evidence. This study uses a targeted ballet class to promote balance, increased range of motion, and reduced spasticity. The combination of qualitative clinical measures and quantitative assessment spasticity aims to demonstrate the benefits brought by the dance class.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy
• is between 3 to 64 years old
• have no uncorrected vision
• have no other neuromuscular or musculoskeletal condition
• have not had surgical procedures within six months of enrollment in the study
• participate in stable school and/or private physical therapy with a frequency no greater than one session per week
• have no changes in medication for the last six months
• have the ability to pay attention and follow three-step directions
• be medically stable, (8) have no other concurrent illness
• have not received any Botox treatment within three months previous to the initiation of the study, and have Gross Motor System Classification Scale (GMFCS) I-IV (NOT V).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not meeting ALL of the criteria