Aquatic Exercise Intervention Is Effective for Spasticity Inhibition in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Clinical Controlled Study Volume 3 - Issue 1

Bolarinwa Isaac Akinola*

• Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Pmb 12003, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria

Received: January 28, 2021   Published: February 15, 2021

Corresponding author: Bolarinwa Isaac Akinola, Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Pmb 12003, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria.

DOI: 10.32474/PAPN.2021.03.000156

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Abstract

Introduction: Spasticity has been implicated as a major hindrance to motor development and overall functional performance in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Recent evidence have suggested aquatic therapy as an alternative means for inhibiting spasticity in children with CP. However, these previous studies have provided contrasting results, thereby creating some dearth of evidence in the use of aquatic therapy to manage spasticity in children with CP.

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of aquatic exercise intervention in inhibiting spasticity in children with CP.

Materials and methods: Thirty children aged 1-12 years participated in this study. They were randomised into 2 groups (experimental and control). The experimental groups received manual passive stretching on affected muscles of both upper and lower extremities followed by weight bearing exercises in water (temperature 28-32ºC) while the control group received same exercises on land for 10 weeks. Degree of spasticity on treated group of muscles was assessed using Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Mann-Whitney-U test was used to compare the change in degree of spasticity between both groups. The level of significance was set at p<0.05.

Results: The experimental group showed significant reduction in spasticity of all the tested muscle groups while the control group showed no significant improvement in spasticity of wrist flexors and knee flexors. No significant difference was observed for change in spasticity between both groups.

Conclusion: Aquatic exercise intervention is effective for inhibiting muscle spasticity in children with cerebral palsy.

Keywords: Aquatic Exercise; Intervention; Spasticity; Cerebral Palsy.

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