Scooter Board Activities Versus Core Stability Exercises

Scooter Board Activities Versus Core Stability Exercises on Enhancing Trunk Postural Control and Balance in Children With Diplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Comparative Trial

Children with diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) often experience impaired trunk control and balance, which limits functional mobility. Core stability exercises are commonly used in pediatric physical therapy to improve trunk control. Scooter board activities, which challenge trunk stability through dynamic movement, may offer an engaging alternative. This study aims to compare the effects of these two interventions.

Children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) often present with impaired trunk postural control and reduced balance stability, which negatively affect their functional independence, gait, and participation in daily activities.

Core stability training is widely recognized in pediatric rehabilitation as a method to enhance trunk strength and improve postural alignment.

Scooter board activities, however, add an element of dynamic movement, sensory stimulation, and task-oriented play, potentially offering greater engagement and functional carryover.

This study directly compares the two approaches in order to establish evidence-based guidance for clinical practice.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. CP with a diplegia
2. Age 6 to 10 years
3. Grade 1 and 2 according to the Modified Ashworth scale (RW and Smith, 1987).
4. They could walk with limitation or holding on according to GMFCS (level I&II &III) (Palisano et al., 1997).
5. They were able to understand and follow verbal instructions

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Children with any surgical interference in the upper limb.
2. intellectual disability such that simple tasks could not be understood or executed.
3. Children with any visual or auditory problems.
4. Children with any surgical interference in the lower limb.
5. Children with any structural deformities in joints and bones of lower limbs.
6. Children who suffer from other diseases or associated disorders that interfered with physical activity