The Therapeutic Effects of Low-Amplitude, High-Frequency Perturbations on Neuromuscular Abnormalities Associated with Spasticity in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Shamim Noroozi1, Mahboube Lotfian2, Fereidoun Nowshiravan Rahatabad3, Amin Shahrokhi4, Irani Ashkan5, Mehdi Mirbagheri

  • 1Islamic Azad University of Science and Research Branch, Tehran,I
  • 2Tehran University of Medical Sciences
  • 3Department of biomedical engineering, Science and Research Branc
  • 4Noorafshar Hospital
  • 5Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences

Details

09:00 - 09:15 | Wed 24 Jul | M8 - Level 3 | WeA08.3

Session: Rehabilitation

Abstract

We aimed to investigate the impact of ankle joint therapy with low-amplitude, high-frequency perturbation training on neuromuscular abnormalities associated with spasticity in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Four spastic CP children (two males and two females) received a 10-session training of high-frequency and low-amplitude perturbations superimposed on passive stretches over the range of motion of their ankle as well as local perturbations at dorsiflexion position. The associated passive parameters, including total passive range of motions, passive range of motions toward dorsiflexion, stiffness, energy loss and torque dynamic gain were evaluated at the baseline and after a 10 session training. Our findings indicate that passive range of motion increased, and passive reflex stiffness, which usually increases in CP children, decreased following the completion of training. Our results demonstrate that intensive sessions of perturbation therapy could be considered an effective therapeutic mean for the management of spasticity and contracture, and eventually the enhancement of mobility of CP children.