Effects of Forearm Crutches on Motor Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the effect of forearm crutches on motor function of children with spastic cerebral palsy. Methods 60 children with spastic cerebral palsy were divided into observation group (n=30) and control group (n=30). The control group accepted rou-tine rehabilitation, while the observation group were also trained to use forearm crutches. They were assessed with Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88) and Balancer. The way of item 70 of GMFM-88 was used to assess the mobile capability. Results The scores of GMFM-88 significantly improved in both groups after treatment (t>6.002, P<0.001), and improved more in the observation group than in the control group (t=2.317, P<0.05). The whole path length and the circumference area reduced in both groups after treatment (P<0.05), and reduced more in the observation group with the assist of the forearm crutches (P<0.01). The incidence of walking was more in the observa-tion group with the assistant of the forearm crutches (χ2=25.87, P<0.01). Conclusion Forearm crutches assistant can improve the recovery of motor function, balance and walking ability in children with spastic cerebral palsy.