Abstract

Objectives: This work was carried out to investigate the efficacy of galvanic vestibular stimulation in improving gait performance and upright postural stability in hemiplegic cerebral palsy children.

Methods: Thirty children were enrolled in this study and randomly assigned into two groups; group A (galvanic vestibular stimulation plus vestibular training program), and group B (vestibular training program). Stride length and time, walking speed tests and modified Ashworth, pediatric balance scales were used to detect and follow the walking performance and upright postural stability. This measurement was taken before initial treatment and after 12 weeks of treatment. The children parents in both groups A and B were instructed to complete 3 hours of the home routine program.

Results: Data analysis was available on the 30 hemiplegic cerebral palsied children participated in the study. The difference between pre and post-treatment results was significant representative in stride length and time and walking velocity, spasticity changes and pediatric balance scores in study groups while insignificant improvement in control groups.

Conclusion: The combined vestibular training program and trans-mastoidal vestibular galvanic stimulation are suggested in improving walking performance and upright postural stability in a static and dynamic situation. So, this selective physiotherapy approach may be used as a strong choice for improving walking and balance abilities in hemiplegic C.P children.

Keywords: Galvanic vestibular stimulation; Cerebral palsy; Walking performance