Effect of dance on lower-limb range of motion in young people with cerebral palsy: a blinded randomized controlled clinical trial

PURPOSE: One of the most limiting conditions in cerebral palsy (CP) is the impairment in musculoskeletal mobility. CP may impair the ability to perform efficient movements. The aim of this trial was to investigate the effect of dance on the range of motion (ROM) of lower limbs in young people with CP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: the randomized clinical trial consisted of two groups: dance group (DG) and control group (CG). Both of them underwent a 1-hour treatment, twice a week, for 2 months. Sanny(®) pendulum fleximeter was used to measure ROM in pre- and posttreatment. The applied procedures in both groups were conducted at suitable locations. Twenty-six participants were allocated to these two groups of study. RESULTS: In DG, the sampling variances showed improvements in all lower limb joints and axes of movements (P<0.05). In CG, there was increase in passive ROM in some lower limb joints (P≤0.05). CONCLUSION: Physical intervention is imperative to improve ROM. It seems dance practice can contribute to CP corporal mobility in a positive way. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Nº CAAE-06154012.4.0000.0058-12, number 98.993.