Investigating the Effectiveness of Graded Motor Imagery Training in Children With Obstetric Brachial Plexus Injury

Investigating the Effectiveness of Graded Motor Imagery Training on Upper Limb Function, Proprioception, Functional Mobility, Balance and Quality of Life in Children With Obstetric Brachial Plexus Injury

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of graded motor imagery training on upper extremity motor function, proprioception, functional mobility, balance and quality of life in patients with obstetric brachial plexus injury in addition to conventional treatment. In this context, our aim is to identify new and potential physiotherapeutic approaches to address deficits in motor planning that have been shown to occur at the level of the central nervous system.

This study was planned as a randomized, controlled, single-blind study. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of graded motor imagery (GMI) training, performed in addition to conventional treatment of patients with obstetric brachial plexus injury, on upper extremity motor function, proprioception, functional mobility and quality of life. In parallel to the initial assessment, a conventional physiotherapy program was created that is individualized according to the functional status and severity of the effects in the children. In the GMI program, in addition to this program, the components of GMI training are applied to sequentially activate the cortical motor networks and develop cortical organization. All assessments of the participants before and at the end of the treatment are carried out by a blind physiotherapist.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Obtaining family consent and the child's willingness
• Being between the ages of 7-18
• Being diagnosed with obstetric brachial plexus injury
• Not having received physical therapy in the last 6 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having a traumatic (postnatal) brachial plexus injury
• Having undergone surgery for complications related to brachial plexus injury within the last six months (release, tendon transfer, osteotomy, etc.)
• Having another neurological, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal or cardiopulmonary system disease in addition to OBPI