Shock wave therapy for spastic plantar flexor muscles in hemiplegic cerebral palsy children

Abstract

Background: The spastic motor type is the most common form of cerebral palsy (CP). Spastic equines foot is the most frequent deformity in ambulated children with CP. Shock wave therapy on spastic muscles of the upper limb in stroke patients provided a significant reduction in muscle tone.
Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the efficiency of shock wave therapy on spastic planter flexor muscles and its relation to the gait in spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy children.
Methods: Thirty spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy children from both sexes participated in this study. They were divided randomly into two groups of equal number: Group I (control) included 15 children (6 boys and 9 girls), with mean 5.83 ±0.34 years, received the therapeutic exercises program only. Group II (study) included 15 children (6 boys and 9 girls), with mean age 5.75 ± 0.51 years, received the same therapeutic exercises program which was given to the control group, in addition to shock wave therapy for 1 week (3 session/week).
Results: Comparing the pre and post treatment mean values of the Hoffman reflex/Motor response (H/M) ratio and gait variables, revealed statistically significant differences in these variables in the study group.
Conclusion: The shock wave therapy is effective in the treatment of hypertonic muscles which help those children to become more independent and participate in everyday activities.

KEYWORDS: Shock wave therapy; Spasticity; Cerebral palsy; Gait; H/M ratio