Effect of Neurodevelopmental Treatment on fall risk and balance in children with spastic cerebral palsy: randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

Aim: Investigating the effect of Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) on the risk of falling and balance in children diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP).

Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. At baseline, the balancing skills of all participants was assessed using the Pediatric Balance Scale, and the gait parameters and fall risk was measured using the LEGSys. The experimental group underwent an 8-week, case-specific, NDT program with intensive gait and balance training for 45-minute sessions, twice a week. The control group received only conventional physiotherapy for the duration of the study. Balancing, gait, and fall risk evaluations repeated after treatment was completed.

Results: A total of 44 cases (Experimental: 22, Control: 22) were analyzed. Pre- and post-treatment comparisons were made within groups and change rates for both groups were compared. The differences in the change rates of specific fall risk parameters between groups was significant.

Conclusion: The eight-week NDT and conventional physiotherapy combined program effectively reduced the risk of falling in children with spastic CP.