EFFECIVENESS OF NEURODEVELPMENTAL TECHNIQUE (NDT) ON GAIT PARAMETERS IN CHILDREN WITH SPASTIC DIPLEGIA

Abstract

Introduction: Walking is the main aspect of mobility and independence. Therefore emphasis should always be given to improve it in children with spastic diplegia. There are many studies that are carried out to reduce spasticity with conventional physiotherapy approaches to improve gait. But there are few studies where inter- vention as Neurodevelopmental Technique (NDT) approach used with specific treatment strategy. Hence this study incorporates NDT to find out the improvement on gait parameter in children with spastic diplegia. Materials and Methods: 30 children diagnosed with spasticic diplegia between the age of 6 to 15 and Gross Motor Function Classification system levels II and III were selected for the study. Neurodevelopemental Tech- nique (NDT) was given for 12 week period. Pre and post intervention values were measured. Outcome measures were gait parameters i.e. stride length, step length, step width and cadence. Result: Comparison between pre and post intervention heart rate showed extremely significant result (p< 0.0004), GMFM values showed significant result (p< 0.05) and gait parameter showed significant result (p< 0.05) respec- tively Conclusion: There was improvement in gait parameters of children with spastic diplegia when treated with Neurodevelopmental Technique (NDT). Improvement was seen on gait parameters.