Whole Body Vibration in Children With Cerebral Palsy

The Effect of Whole Body Vibration on Walking Parameters in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Some positive effects of whole body vibration applications in reducing spasticity, improving walking ability, and increasing walking speed have been reported in children with CP, but the evidence is not strong enough. Therefore, this study was planned to evaluate the effect of whole body vibration treatment on spasticity, gait, balance, and motor performance in children with spastic CP. This study hypothesis that whole body vibration provides an additive improvement on spasticity, balance, gait and motor performance.

Participants will be evaluate at baseline, after the conventional physiotherapy program, and after whole body vibration training program. During this period, the participants who were recruited whole body vibration training program, whole body vibration will be applied in addition to conventional physiotherapy sessions comprised 45 min, 2 days a week, during 8 week.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children diagnosed with spastic diplegic CP in GMFCS levels I and II, CFCS level I and MACS levels I and II
• Aged 6-17 years
• Ability to cooperate with the evaluations
• Walking independently with or without an orthosis (without any support)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having a recent injury affecting the lower extremities
• Having undergone any surgery or Botulinuim Toxin application within the last six months
• Having severe cardiopulmonary or systemic problems
• Having uncontrolled seizures, visual or hearing problems preventing the evaluations