Published June 1, 2022 | Version v1
Journal article Open

Effects of a core stability exercise program on balance and coordination in children with cerebellar ataxic cerebral palsy

  • 1. Department of Physical Therapy for Pediatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt
  • 2. Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt
  • 3. Department of Physical Therapy and Health Rehabilitation, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia

Description

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a core stability exercise program on balance, coordination, and severity of ataxia in children with cerebellar ataxic cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: Forty children with cerebellar ataxic CP (mean age: 6.75±1.35 years) were randomly assigned to a control group and an intervention group for 2 months of follow-up. The control group received a standard physical therapy program three times weekly (1 h per session), while the intervention group received a core stability program for 30 min, in addition to the selected physical therapy program. Both groups were evaluated pre-treatment and post-treatment using the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia, the Balance Error Scoring Systems scale, Bruininks-Oseretsky tests of motor proficiency, and HUMAC balance system scores. Results: We found statistically significant reductions in the severity of ataxia, as well as improved balance and coordination in both groups, with stronger effects observed in the intervention group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The core stability program can improve balance and coordination in children with cerebellar ataxic CP when incorporated with a standard physical therapy program.

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Effects of a core stability exercise program on balance and coordination in children with cerebellar ataxic cerebral palsy.pdf