Comparative Efficacy of Progressive Resistance Exercise and Biomechanical Ankle Platform System on Functional Indices of Children with Cerebral Palsy
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Progressive Resistance Exercise (PRE) andBiomechanical Ankle Platform System (BAPS) are two of theprotocols available in managing children with Cerebral Palsy (CP).The comparative effects of these modalities on selected functionalindices of ambulatory type CP were the focus of this studyMETHODS: Twenty-eight children with hemiplegic or diplegic CPreceiving care at a tertiary health facility in Ibadan wereconsecutively recruited. They were systematically assigned into twointervention groups. Namely PRE, BAPS. Both groups receivedintervention twice weekly for 16 weeks. At baseline, 8 and 16 weeksof intervention balance and functional mobility were assessedusing Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and modified timed-up-and-gotest (TUG) respectively. Chi-square, Fisher’s Exact tests, One wayand repeated measures ANOVA were carried out. Level ofsignificance (p) was set at 0.05.RESULTS: There were significant differences in the functionalindices of participants in the BAPS group at the end of theintervention (p < 0.05). The two groups (BAPS and PRE) were notsignificantly different at baseline and 8 and 16 weeks (p > 0.05).All outcome measures increased in both groups from baseline tothe end of the intervention period.CONCLUSION: The two intervention protocols demonstratedimprovements in the areas assessed. Comparatively, both PRE andBAPS could be used to promote function in CP.