Comparative Effects of Frenkel's and Core Stability Exercises in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Comparative Effects of Frenkel's and Core Stability Exercises on Coordination and Balance in Children With Cerebral Palsy

The aim of this study is to determine and compare the effects of Frenkel's and core stability exercises on the motor function, postural stability and core muscle strength in children with cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a brain injury that manifests as a mobility and posture impairment in infancy or early childhood. Frenkel exercises are series of movements with increasing difficulty that can be performed by ataxic patients in order to regain coordinated, smooth and rhythmic movement. The Core stability Exercises are for the spine, pelvis, and kinetic chain to all balance properly under stress, core stability is necessary. The aim of this study is to determine and compare the effects of Frenkel's and core stability exercises on the motor function, postural stability and core muscle strength in children with cerebral palsy. This will be a Randomized Clinical Trial in which 50 participants with cerebral palsy will be included as per sample size calculation through non probability convenience sampling technique. The study will be single blinded. Participants that achieve the required standards of inclusion and exclusion criteria will be randomly allocated using online randomization tool into two Groups. Group A will receive Frenkel's exercises and Group B will receive core stability exercises, both groups will receive the treatment for 40 minutes with the routine physical therapy for 20 minutes and short-term rest intervals in between for 3 alternative days per week for 12 weeks. Participants initial screening will be done through Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). The balance will be assessed through the Pediatric Balance Test (PBS), coordination will be assessed through Finger and Nose Test, Heel Shin Test, Catching and Throwing Tasks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• The participants fulfilling the given criteria will be included.
• Age: 6 To 12 Years
• Gender: Both male and female
• Children with ataxic cerebral palsy
• Children having level II and III on Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS)
• Children able to understand the test instruction, able to sit and stand.
• Children with and without using Botulinum Toxin Injections
• The Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) of 54.6

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe Cognitive Dysfunction
• Visual problems
• Vestibular Dysfunction
• Uncontrolled epilepsy
• Severe Orthopedic Condition affecting Lower limbs Mobility