The Vojta approach changes thicknesses of abdominal muscles and gait in children with spastic cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled trial, pilot study
Affiliations: Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School, Kyungnam University, South Korea
Correspondence:
[*]
Corresponding author: Yun-Hee Sung, Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School, Kyungnam University, 7 Kyungnamdaehak-ro, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, 51767, South Korea. E-mail: sungpt97@kyungnam.ac.kr.
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have abnormal postures and gait patterns. Many physiotherapists use the Vojta approach as intervention for children with CP. However, its effects remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the Vojta approach on abdominal muscles and gait in children with spastic CP. METHODS: Thirteen children with spastic CP were randomly assigned to a general exercise and a Vojta approach group. The interventions were administered in 30 min sessions, 3 times a week for a total of 6 weeks. We used ultrasonography to measure the thicknesses of the abdominal muscles. The gait and foot pressure were measured by GAITRite. RESULTS: The Vojta approach group showed significant difference in the thicknesses of the rectus abdominis, and external oblique abdominal muscles, which are involved in trunk stability (p< 0.05). There were significant differences in the step width, functional ambulation profile, swing time, stance time, and single support % of cycle as well as foot pressure distribution (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Vojta approach may be considered as an effective treatment method for improving trunk stability and gait functions of children with spastic CP.
