Effect of Task-oriented Circuit Training on Gait Kinematics, Pelvic Symmetry and Endurance in Children With Hemiplegia

Effect of Task-oriented Circuit Training on Gait Kinematics, Pelvic Symmetry and Endurance in Children With Hemiplegia

Statement of the problem:

Does task-oriented circuit training have an effect on kinematic parameters of gait, pelvic symmetry and trunk endurance in children with hemiplegic CP?

Purpose of the study:

This study aims to:

• Investigate the effect of exercise-based task-oriented circuit training on gait kinematics including (Stride length, step length, cadence, walking speed, ankle dorsiflexion angle in initial contact, knee extension angle in midstance and hip extension angle in terminal stance) in children with hemiplegic CP.
• Determine the effect of task-oriented circuit training on pelvic symmetry including (Anterior and lateral pelvic tilting) in children with hemiplegic CP.
• Examine the effect of task-oriented circuit training on trunk endurance including (prone plank test, timed partial curl up test, front abdominal power test and unilateral supine bridge test) in children with hemiplegic CP.

Children with CP have lowered physical fitness levels because their motor impairments restrict their participation in daily physical activities. Children with hemiplegic CP may experience a variety of concomitant health conditions including, movement difficulty, postural and balance instability, muscle spasticity, difficulty with motor planning and control, and cognitive impairments. They also have diminished force generation, debilitated proprioception around the core, lack of enough harmonization in core musculature, and diminished capacity to adjust coupling between the trunk, pelvis, and hip stabilizers leading to diminished proficiency of movement.

According to the concept of motor learning, training is considered to be most effective when the training task is specific to the intended outcome, as optimal improvement in function involves the practice of task-specific activities. Due to the shift in focus on functional movements rather than muscle activity or movement patterns, there has been a task-oriented approach which is based on the system model of motor control providing motivation due to specific achievements that can be made.

Task-oriented circuit training effectively provides various sensory stimulation and promotes functional activities for stroke patients; however, more attention is becoming directed to children with CP to examine the effect of the task-oriented circuit training program on functional performance in children with CP. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the effect of rehabilitation delivered as a task-oriented circuit exercise program on kinematic parameters of gait, pelvic symmetry, and trunk endurance in children with hemiplegic CP.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Their age will be ranged from 7-10 years.
• Their motor function will be at level I and II according to Gross Motor Function Classification System GMFCS (Palisano et al., 2008).
• The degree of spasticity will range from mild to moderate according to Modified Ashworth Scale (Bohannon and Smith, 1987).
• They will be able to follow instructions during evaluation and treatment.

Exclusion Criteria:

Children will be excluded from the study if they have:

• Other types of cerebral palsy.
• Cardiovascular or respiratory disorders.
• Botulinium muscular injection in the last 6 months
• Surgical interference in lower limbs and/or spine.
• Muscloskeletal problems or fixed deformities in the spine and/or lower extremities.
• seizures.
• Visual or hearing impairment.