Transcutaneous Diaphragmatic Electrical Stimulation and Pulmonary Function in Non-Ambulatory Cerebral Palsy

Baseline clinical and demographic data of patients meeting the inclusion criteria will be recorded in detail. Subsequently, participants will be randomly assigned into two groups using a computer-generated randomization method. All patients will receive a 6-week multimodal rehabilitation program consisting of conventional exercises and electrical stimulation to the lower extremity muscles five days per week, in addition to 45-minute sessions of robotic rehabilitation, 45-minute occupational therapy, 45-minute hydrotherapy, and a 45-minute pulmonary rehabilitation program twice weekly. The pulmonary rehabilitation program will include diaphragmatic breathing training, chest wall mobilization, respiratory muscle-supportive exercises, and interventions aimed at postural alignment and sitting positioning. In addition to these treatments, patients in the intervention group will receive transcutaneous diaphragmatic electrical stimulation (TDES).

TDES will be administered by a blinded researcher using a four-channel, low-frequency biphasic neuromuscular electrical stimulator (Compex SP 4.0, Mouguerre, France). Rectangular electrodes will be positioned in the parasternal region adjacent to the xiphoid process and at the sixth and seventh intercostal spaces along the midaxillary line. Stimulation will be delivered using biphasic waves at a frequency of 30 Hz, a pulse width of 400 μs, and a ramp-up time of 0.7 seconds. Current intensity will be gradually increased, in accordance with established protocols, until visible diaphragmatic contractions are achieved. Intervention sessions will be administered twice weekly for 30 minutes per session over a 6-week period.

Assessments will be performed before rehabilitation (week 0) and after completion of the program (week 6) by a blinded researcher other than the investigator administering TDES. In children using braces due to scoliosis, all measurements will be performed without the brace.

The effects of TDES added to a multimodal rehabilitation program on pulmonary function, head-neck control, and sitting balance, as well as related factors, will be investigated in non-ambulatory children with cerebral palsy.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (GMFCS Level IV-V)
• Aged 5-18 years

Exclusion criteria

• Clinically unstable condition,
• Tracheostomy, home-based non-invasive mechanical ventilation (CPAP/BIPAP), continuous oxygen therapy