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

Background: Muscle performance elements as strength, power and endurance are affected in all cases of hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Purpose: to determine the effect of whole body vibration (WBV) on quadriceps and hamstring muscles performance in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: Forty hemiparetic CP children were selected from the outpatient clinic of the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University and The National Institute of Neuromotor System. The children were grade 1to1+ according to modified ashwarth scale and their ages ranged from 4 to 8 years, they were assigned into two groups of equal numbers control and study groups. The control group received selected physical therapy program and study group received the same selected program as control group in addition to WBV training. Both groups received treatment 3 times/week for two successive months. Lafayette device was used to asses quadriceps and hamstring muscles strength, vertical jump test was used to asses average power in lower limbs and six minute walk test (6MWT) was used to asses endurance. Results: There were no significant differences in Quadriceps strength, hamstring strength, average power of lower limbs and 6MWT between both groups pre-treatment (p > 0.05). Comparison between the control and study groups post treatment revealed that there were significant increase in Quadriceps strength, hamstring strength, average power and 6MWT in the study group compared with that of the control group (p > 0.05). Conclusion: the WBV has beneficial effect on improving quadriceps and hamstring muscles performance, so it{u2019}s recommended in physical therapy treatment program

Issued also as CD