Random perturbation: a potential aid in treatment of children with cerebral palsy.

Bar-Haim S, Harries N, Belokopytov M, Lahat E, Kaplanski J

The objective of this study was to evaluate the contribution of random perturbations (RP) to gross motor function and mechanical efficiency during intensive physiotherapy in children with CP. 20 children with CP  randomly assigned to structured intensive treatment (SIT) or to SIT + RP groups. Groups received one month of daily treatment. RP was applied by engine-induced random passive cycling for upper and lower limbs for up to 10 min in a 90-min treatment session. Gross Motor Function Measure and gross mechanical efficiency during stair climbing were measured before and after treatment.

The results showed that the addition of RP in treatment of children with CP may have weakened previously established stereotypical motor patterns and introduced flexibility, thereby improving mechanical efficiency of a complex motor task. RP may enhance the effects of intensive treatment.

Disability and Rehabilitation, 2008, 30(19), 1420-8

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