Arm Ergometer Versus Stabilization Exercises on Trunk Control and Upper Extremity Functions in cp

Effect of Arm Ergometer Versus Stabilization Exercises on Trunk Control and Upper Extremity Functions in Children With Diplegia

The purposes of the current study are to:

Define and compare between the efficacy of arm ergometer versus stabilization exercises on trunk control, hand grip power and upper limb quality of functions in children with diplegia.

Studies have shown that the cycle ergometer exercise improves several parameters, such as muscle strength and endurance, along with torso control in sitting position. However, these results are presented only in a small sample. Studies with the use of cycle ergometer in the population with CP are still few and present little information about the physiological effects .Previous studies on children with CP focused on the effect of ergometer on the upper and lower extremities functions. Limited literature is available regarding the effect of arm ergometer on trunk control among this population. The current study will be carried out to define the effect of arm ergometer versus stabilization exercises on trunk control, hand grip power, upper limb function in children with diplegia.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ranges from six to ten years.
2. Grade of spasticity 1 to 2 according to Modified Ashworth scale.
3. Level II and III according to gross motor functional classification system.
4. Level I-III according to manual ability classification system.
5. Able to follow verbal commands and instructions included in both test and training.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Significant visual or auditory problems according to medical reports (audio-vestibular and ophthalmic examination).
2. Structural or fixed soft tissue deformities of the upper extremities.
3. Neurological or orthopedic surgery in the past 12 months in the upper extremities.
4. Botox injection in the upper extremities in the past 6 months.