Effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on spastic equinus foot in children with unilateral cerebral palsy

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the effects of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy on selective motor control, spasticity, gross motor function, and balance in children with unilateral cerebral palsy. METHODS: This randomised controlled study recruited 34 children aged 7–9 with spastic unilateral cerebral palsy. They were randomly allocated to either the control or study group. Both groups undertook traditional exercises for 12 weeks. The study group received shock waves (one session/week) on the calf muscle (1500 shocks, frequency of 4 Hz, energy of 0.030 mJ/mm(2)). All children were evaluated at baseline and after 12 weeks using the Modified Ashworth Scale, a Biodex System 4 isokinetic dynamometer, dimensions D (standing) and E (walking) of the Gross Motor Function Measure – 88, the Trost Selective Motor Control test, and the single leg standing test. RESULTS: Mixed analysis of variance and Mann–Whitney results showed significant improvement in eccentric peak torque, torque threshold angles, gross motor function, selective motor control, and balance in the study group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Shock wave therapy may be a valuable instrument for reducing spasticity, improving the ability to isolate and control movement, and consequently, improving balance and gross motor function in children with unilateral cerebral palsy.