Efficacy of plyometric exercises on upper extremity function, selective motor control and hand grip strength in children with unilateral cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled study.

Abstract

Background: Impairment in unimanual upper limb function is frequent among children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP), which affects their ability to perform functional activities.

Aim: To assess the efficacy of plyometric exercises on the function of upper extremity, selective motor control (SMC) and hand grip strength (HGS) in children with UCP.

Design: This was a double-masked, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

Setting: Outpatient Clinics of Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University and Center for Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Rheumatology, Al-Agouza Hospital, Giza, Egypt.

Population: Forty children with UCP, ranging in age from 8 to 12 years, were randomly allocated to two groups equal in numbers.

Method: Children were allocated to receive conventional therapy (CONV-group; n = 20) or plyometric exercises (PLYO-group; n = 20) for 45 min. In addition, children of both groups received selected physical and occupational therapy programs (each lasted for 30 min) twice a week over 3-month. The intervention was delivered on non-consecutive days. Upper extremity function, SMC and HGS were assessed by using quality of upper extremity skills test (QUEST), Test of arm selective control and pneumatic squeeze bulb dynamometer, respectively.

Results: Overall, 35 children (18 in the CONV-group, 17 in the PLYO-group) completed data collection and treatment. With-in group comparison showed significant improvement in the study groups while post-treatment comparisons revealed a significant difference from mean difference in upper extremity function is 9.55 (8.71:10.39), SMC is 2.12 (1.51:2.72) and HGS is 2.91 (2.13:3.68) (p < 0.05; 95% Confidence interval) in favor of the PLYO-group.

Conclusions: Plyometric exercises have the capability to enhance upper extremity function and strength in children with UCP.