Effect of AO Training on Gross Motor Function in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Effect of Action Observation Training on Gross Motor Function in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

The study was conducted to examine the impact of the action observation training (AOT) on gross motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

Thirty children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy aged from 4 to 7 years were randomly allocated into two groups of equal number; study group (A) and control group (B). Both groups received designed physical therapy program for 45 minutes, three times/ per week for two successive months. In addition, study group received action observation (AO) training for 30 minutes per session. All phases of gait cycle and functional ability of all children participating in both groups was assessed by kenovia software and gross motor function measure (GMFM) walking, running and jumping domain.

Inclusion Criteria:

Age ranges from 4 - 7 years. Level Ι - Π according to Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) (Appendix II).

Grade 1, +1 and 2 of the Modified Ashworth Scale (Appendix III). Able to follow verbal commands and instructions.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Significant visual or auditory impairments Structural or fixed soft tissue deformities of Lower extremities. Perception disorders. Botox injection in the lower extremity in the past 6 months.