Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Growth and Development Disorders in Pediatrics

Background: Brain and spinal cord tumors are the second most common cancers in children after leukemia. They account for about 1 out of 4 childhood cancers. More than 4,000 central nervous system tumors are diagnosed each year in children and teens. It has been reported that those children have easy fatigability. Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of hydrotherapy on performance in Children with brain tumor. Methods: Fifty children of both gender participated in this study. They were selected from children{u2019}s cancer hospital foundation 57357, Cairo. The inclusion criteria were: Their ages between 5-12 years old, have affection of motor function and muscle weakness of upper and lower limbs, selected after the start of treatment by at least one month. This study assess muscle strength of upper and lower limb muscles, quality of life and cardiorespiratory fitness. They were classified randomly into two groups; the control group received land-based exercise program for such cases, and the study group received hydrotherapy besides the land-based exercise program, Results: There were significant improvement in muscle strength and quality of life in both groups in favor of the study group. Conclusion: From the obtained outcome, it can be concluded that hydrotherapy can be added to the regular physical therapy program to improve performance in children with brain tumor

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