Effect of Core Stability Exercises on Hand Functions in Children With Hemiparesis

Background: Impaired upper extremity is the major disability facing the children with hemiplegia as the inability to use hands for reach; grasp and manipulation affect their daily life activities. little attention has been given to gain perspective about abnormal movements that are detectable in hemiplegic cerebral palsy that are related to one's level of core stability and how they affect their hand functions.

Objective: The purpose was to investigate the effectivness of core stability exercises on hand functions in hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Methods: Thirty hemiparetic cerebral palsied children of both sexes, ranged in age from 6 to 8 years enrolled in this study. They randomly assigned into two groups of equal number. Group (A) received the selective physiotherapy exercises and group (B) received the same selective physiotherapy exercises program in addition to core stability exercises three times/week for 60 min for 12 weeks. Time motor performance, gross manual dexterity and skills of the upper extremity were assessed by using Jebsen Taylor Test (JTHFT), Box and Block Test (BBT) and Quality Upper Extremity Skill Test (QUEST) respectively before and after treatment.

Inclusion criteria

• The level of gross motor function ranged from II to III, according to Gross Motor Function Classification System
• All participants are cognitively capable and competent of interpreting and following instructions

Exclusion criteria

• if they had fixed contractures or deformities of the spine, upper or lower extremities,
• visual or respiratory disorders, orthopedic surgery on their involved upper extremity;
• dorsal rhizotomy;
• botulinum toxin therapy in the upper extremity musculature during the past 6 months
• who wished to receive it within the period of study