Effect of a new physiotherapy concept on bone mineral density, muscle force and gross motor function in children with bilateral cerebral palsy.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a new physiotherapy concept on bone density, muscle force and motor function in bilateral spastic cerebral palsy children.


METHODS
In a retrospective data analysis 78 children were analysed. The concept included whole body vibration, physiotherapy, resistance training and treadmill training. The concept is structured in two in-patient stays and two periods of three months home-based vibration training. Outcome measures were dual-energy x-ray absorption (DXA), Leonardo Tilt Table and a modified Gross Motor Function Measure before and after six months of training.


RESULTS
Percent changes were highly significant for bone mineral density, -content, muscle mass and significant for angle of verticalisation, muscle force and modified Gross Motor Function Measure after six months training.


CONCLUSIONS
The new physiotherapy concept had a significant effect on bone mineral density, muscle force and gross motor function in bilateral spastic cerebral palsy children. This implicates an amelioration in all International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health levels. The study serves as a basis for future research on evidence based paediatric physiotherapy taking into account developmental implications.
Brunel University of West London, School of Health Science and Social Care, UK. cstark@sun.ac.za
C
C
Stark
P
P
Nikopoulou-Smyrni
A
A
Stabrey
O
O
Semler
E
E
Schoenau
D015519:Bone Density; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014732:Vibration / Q000627:therapeutic use*