Effects of foot intrinsic muscle dynamic stretching intervention on static balance, gait parameters and gross motor ability with hemiplegic cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled pilot study.

BACKGROUND

The foot intrinsic muscle dynamic stretching (FIMDS) intervention can increase ankle stability, stabilize the foot arch, and induce an increase in gross motor ability.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to compare the effects of a 6-week program of FIMDS with those of a slant board (SB) on static balance with open and closed eyes, gait parameters (gait speed, cadence), and gross motor ability in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

METHODS

Participants were randomized into either the FIMDS (n = 7) or SB (n = 7) group. Patients in both groups underwent standard physiotherapy for 30 min per session. Additionally, FIMDS and SB interventions were performed in 3 sets of 10 repetitions, 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Static balance (with open and closed eyes), gait speed, cadence, and gross motor ability were measured after the 6 weeks of training.

RESULTS

After 6 weeks of training, both the FIMDS and SB groups showed significant improvement in all outcome measures compared to baseline (p < .05). Furthermore, the FIMDS group demonstrated greater improvement in open eyes static balance, gait speed, cadence, and gross motor ability while standing compared to the SB group (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that FIMDS training, combined with standard physiotherapy, improved open eyes static balance, gait speed, cadence, and gross motor ability while standing in children with hemiplegic CP.