Ultrasound or Whole Body Vibration on Knee Motion and Function in CP

Comparative Study of Therapeutic Ultrasound and Whole-body Vibration as Adjuncts to Passive Stretching on Knee Joint Range of Motion and Functional Ability in Children With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy.

This study compared the efficacy of therapeutic ultrasound (US) and whole-body vibration (WBV) as adjuncts to a standardized passive stretching regimen on improving knee joint range of motion (ROM) and functional capacity in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP).

Sixty children with HCP, aged 4-6 years, were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups received passive stretching of the hamstrings and plantar flexors three times per week for twelve weeks. The control group (US group) received therapeutic ultrasound prior to stretching, while the research group (WBV group) performed exercises on a vibrating platform before stretching. Active knee extension ROM was measured with a digital goniometer, and functional ability was assessed using the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88) at baseline and post-intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age from 4-6 years
• knee flexion deformity due to hamstring tightness
• Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I or II
• spasticity grade of 1 or 2 on the modified Ashworth Scale

Exclusion Criteria:

• other causes of knee flexion deformity
• previous orthopedic knee surgery
• significant visual, auditory, or perceptual deficits
• uncontrolled seizures; or acute illness