EFFECTS OF NEURODEVELOPMENTAL THERAPY ON FUNCTION AND MUSCLE ULTRASOUND PARAMETERS IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT) for improving lower extremity functions, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), popliteal angle, medial gastrocnemius (GCM) muscle thickness (MT), and functionality of lower extremity on children with hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy (CP). Methods: Eighteen children with hemiparetic CP aged between 6-15 years were included in the study. Structured NDT (s-NDT) was applied 40 minutes per session, three times a week over 12 weeks. Children were evaluated with Gross Motor Function Measurement-88 (GMFM-88) for motor function level; with goniometer for ankle dorsiflexion ROM and popliteal angle; with ultrasound for medial GCM MT, and with ultrasound Lower Extremity Function Test (LEFT) for the functionality of lower extremity. Children were evaluated before and after the intervention. Results: After the treatment, statistically significant differences were obtained in mean values of GMFM-88, ankle dorsiflexion ROM, medial GCM MT, and LEFT (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in popliteal angle (p>0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, it was observed that s-NDT might be effective on motor function level, ankle dorsiflexion, medial GCM MT, and lower extremity functionality in children with hemiparetic CP. These improvements will make significant positive contributions to the mobility of children.