The effect of two therapeutic interventions on balance in children with spastic cerebral palsy: A comparative study

OBJECTIVES: Postural control involves controlling the position of the body in space to achieve stability and orientation. Core stability is needed to improve balance and postural control. Whole-body vibration is a unique strategy for muscle strengthening in various clinical situations. This study compared the effects of whole-body vibration and a core stability program on balance in children with spastic cerebral palsy, with an intervention period of 12 weeks. METHODS: A total of 72 children with spastic cerebral palsy (hemiplegic and diplegic), of both sexes (age, 5–8 years), were selected from the outpatient clinic of the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University. The children were randomly assigned to 2 groups. Group A underwent a core stability program for 30 min and group B underwent whole-body vibration training for 10 min, at 3 times a week for 12 weeks for both groups. Balance was assessed using the Biodex Balance System. RESULTS: A significant improvement in all variables (p < 0.05) was observed in each group, with greater improvement of all stability indices (anteroposterior, mediolateral, and overall) in group B. There were non-significant differences in all stability indices between hemiplegic and diplegic children (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Whole-body vibration and core stability exercises are recommended for the treatment of children with spastic cerebral palsy. Whole-body vibration was more effective than the core stability program in improving balance in children with spastic cerebral palsy.