Comparison of the Conjunct Effects of Electrical Stimulation and Whole-Body Vibration Therapy with Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Whole-body Vibration Therapy on Balance and Function in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Cureus, 2024 · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61511 · Published: June 1, 2024

Simple Explanation

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition that affects movement and posture, often impacting balance and functional abilities. Researchers are exploring new therapies like whole-body vibration therapy (WBVT), functional electrical stimulation (FES), and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to improve outcomes for children with CP. This study compared the effects of combining WBVT with either FES or tDCS on lower extremity range of motion (ROM), balance, functional mobility, muscle strength, and hand grip strength in children with spastic CP. The study found that all three groups (WBVT alone, WBVT with FES, and WBVT with tDCS) showed improvements, but the group that received WBVT combined with tDCS had the most significant gains in lower extremity ROM, functional mobility, muscle strength, and hand grip strength.

Study Duration

June 2023 to May 2024

Participants

42 children with spastic cerebral palsy, aged 5-15 years

Evidence Level

Randomized clinical trial

Key Findings

1
WBVT, FES with WBVT, and tDCS with WBVT were all effective in improving lower extremity ROM.
2
The combination of tDCS and WBVT was most effective in improving lower extremity ROM, functional mobility, isometric muscle strength, and hand grip strength in children with spastic CP.
3
The study's effect size was substantial enough to surpass established clinical benchmarks, indicating meaningful and beneficial impacts on patient outcomes.

Research Summary

This study compared the conjunct effects of FES and WBVT with tDCS and WBVT on lower extremity ROM, dynamic balance, functional mobility, isometric muscle strength and hand grip strength in children with spastic cerebral palsy. The study concluded that positive effects were seen in all three groups but tDCS with WBVT was found to be most effective in improving lower extremity ROM, functional mobility or dynamic balance, isometric muscle strength, and hand grip strength in children with spastic CP. The effect size was substantial enough to surpass established clinical benchmarks, indicating that the observed improvements are likely to have meaningful and beneficial impacts on patient outcomes.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Therapists are encouraged to incorporate WBVT, FES, and tDCS into clinical settings for treating children with spastic cerebral palsy.

Future Research

Further studies are recommended with long-term follow-ups using different combinations of parameters and electrode placement of tDCS.

Treatment Strategies

Combining tDCS and WBVT may be a promising approach for enhancing motor function in children with spastic CP.

Study Limitations

1
The study only recruited children with spastic CP, limiting generalizability to other types of CP or populations.
2
The follow-up period was only four weeks, making it unknown whether the effects were maintained long-term.
3
Different combinations of parameters and electrode placement of tDCS can be tested.

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