Effect of exercise doses on functional recovery in neonatal brachial plexus palsy: A randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine how much recovery upper obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) patients showed with exercises when they were 3, 6, and 12 months old and to evaluate whether the exercise treatment given at different frequencies contributes to this recovery or not. METHODS: This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. Sixty cases who were referred to Pediatric Rehabilitation and Pediatric Orthopedic Clinics with the diagnosis of having Groups I and II OBPP according to Narakas classification were included in the study. Subjects were randomly divided into two treatment groups. The first group had intense exercise program 3 times daily, and the second group had a standard exercise program once in a day. The subjects were assessed using a passive-active range of motion (ROM) and hospital for sick children muscle grading system at their first clinic visit and every month after until they became 12 months old. RESULTS: In both groups, a significant recovery was observed in ROM and muscle strength of all movements of the shoulder, elbow flexion, and forearm supination at the 3(rd), 6(th), and 12(th)-month reassessments, whereas a significant difference was not achieved on both parameters between two groups. CONCLUSION: According to the results, exercise frequency did not affect the recovery rate and results in the cases with OBPP and exercises were influential against possible complications that may occur.