Effects of WBV in Children With Hemiparetic CP

Short and Long-Term Effects of Whole Body Vibration on Spasticity and Motor Performance in Children With Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy

The aim of this study was to investigate short and long-term effects of Whole Body Vibration therapy on spasticity and motor performance in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy in addition to conventional physiotherapy.

Twenty-six patients undergoing conventional physiotherapy in a private rehabilitation center were included in the study. Patients were randomized to treatment and control groups. Study was completed with a total of 22 cases (11 for each group). At the beginning of the study, cases were evaluated with Gross Motor Function Measure-88, LEGSys Spatio-Temporal Gait Analyzer, SportKAT550tm Portable Computerized Kinesthetic Balance Device and Modified Ashworth Scale. Cases in the treatment group were treated with Compex-Winplate for 8 weeks, 3 times a week, 15 minutes a day in one session. All cases were reevaluated immediately after the treatment and 12 weeks after the treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients with hemiparetic CP
• patients were followed-up and treated by a special rehabilitation center
• aged between 6-18 years
• patients could walk independently without using assistive devices

Exclusion Criteria:

• any other neurological diseases
• cooperation problems
• visual or auditory disability