Effects of Vojta approach on diaphragm movement in children with spastic cerebral palsy

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Vojta approach on the gross motor function and diaphragm movement in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Ten children with spastic CP were randomly assigned to a general physiotherapy group (trunk strengthening exercise and gait training) (n=5) and a Vojta approach group (n=5). Interventions were implemented for 30 min per time, 3 times a week for a total of 6 weeks. Ultrasonography was used to measure the areas of the diaphragm (during inspiration, expiration) before and after the interventions, the gross motor function measure (GMFM)-88 was used for evaluation of the gross motor function. In the results of this study, there was a significant difference between before and after GMFM-sitting in the experimental group (P<0.05), a significant difference in changes of inspiration between the two groups (P<0.05). Given these results, Vojta approach may be presented as an effective treatment method for improving sitting position and diaphragm movement during inspiration in children with spastic CP.