Effect of Task Oriented Training With Functional Electrical Stimulation on Balance in Children With Hemiparesis

Effect of Task Oriented Training With Functional Electrical Stimulation on Balance in Children With Hemiparesis

To investigate the efficacy of combination of task-oriented training and Functional electrical stimulation of ankle dorsiflexor muscles on:

1. Strength of ankle muscles in children with hemiparesis.
2. Balance in children with hemiparesis.

Children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy often favor their non-paretic side, leading to asymmetrical walking and balance issues. Muscle weakness significantly restricts motor function, prompting a shift from spasticity management to strength training, which has a positive correlation with gross motor function and gait. Task-oriented training has been shown to enhance balance. Children with hemiparesis tend to prefer mobility equipment due to balance disturbances. Functional electrical stimulation of ankle dorsiflexors combined with task-oriented training is being investigated for its effectiveness in improving balance in these children.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. The age of the selected children will be ranged from 6 to 9 years.
2. Able to follow simple instructions.
3. Degree of spasticity is ranging from 1to 1+ according to modified Ashworth scale.
4. The level of motor function of the children will be levels I-II according to Gross Motor Function Classification System.

Exclusion Criteria:

The children will be excluded if they have one or more of the following criteria:

1. Visual, hearing disorders.
2. Recent Botox injection or orthopedic surgery in the lower limb in the last 6 months before the start of the study.
3. Any fixed deformity of lower limb.