Whole-body vibration training improves the walking ability of a moderately
impaired child with cerebral palsy: a case study |
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| Authors: | Tamotsu Yabumoto Sohee Shin Tsuneo Watanabe Yusuke Watanabe Toru Naka Kazuo Oguri Toshio Matsuoka |
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| Affiliation: | 1) Department of Sports Medicine and Sports Science, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan;2) School of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Ulsan, Republic of Korea;3) Department of Community Health Sciences, Kobe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Japan;4) Department of Physical Therapy, Gumma Paz College, Japan;5) Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Education, Gifu Shotoku Gakuen University, Japan |
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| Abstract: | [Purpose] Strength training is recommended for children with cerebral palsy. However, itis difficult for moderately impaired children with cerebral palsy, who require crutchesfor ambulation, to participate in this type of training. The purpose of this study was toinvestigate whether whole-body vibration training is an effective method of strengtheningin a moderately impaired child with cerebral palsy. [Subject and Methods] This reportdescribes an 8-year-old Japanese boy with cerebral palsy, who was ambulatory withcrutches. The subject participated in physical therapy twice a week for 5 weeks.Whole-body vibration training was selected to complement the standing practice. Thepatient’s crutch-walking ability, gross motor function, and spasticity were evaluated.[Results] The number of steps and walking duration were reduced in a 5-m walk test withcrutches and gross motor function was improved. Further, the spasticity was reduced.[Conclusion] Whole-body vibration training is an effective physical therapy interventionin moderately impaired children with cerebral palsy, who are unable to walk withoutcrutches.Key words: Cerebral palsy, Whole-body vibration, Walking ability |
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