Effect of arm ergometer versus stabilization exercises on trunk control and pper extremity functions in children with diplegia: a randomized controlled trial

One of the most prevalent clinical subtypes of cerebral palsy (CP) is diplegia. Most children with diplegia have weakness in axial muscles and spasticity in extremities which have adverse impacts on trunk control and manual coordination of upper extremities.

To examine and compare between the effects of arm ergometer and stabilization exercises applied for duration of 12 weeks on upper extremity functioning, trunk control, and hand grip strength (HGS) in children with spastic diplegia.

Forty-two children with spastic diplegia aged from 6 to 10 years were randomly assigned to either group A or B, (n = 21 each). Children in group A received a designed arm ergometer exercises for 30 min while those in group B received trunk stabilization exercises for 30 min. As well, children in both groups received 30 min of a designed physical training for 30 min. Treatment was delivered three times a week for 12 weeks in succession. The quality of upper extremity skill test (QUEST), hand held dynamometer (HHD) and Trunk control measuring scale (TCMS) were used to assess upper extremity functions, HGS and trunk control respectively before and after suggested treatment duration.

In terms of all indicators measured at baseline, study groups were comparable (P > 0.05). Significant improvements in all outcome indicators were recorded in within-group comparison (P < 0.05). Further, between groups comparison showed significant higher improvements in upper extremity functions and HGS in favor of group A while trunk control scores showed no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Arm ergometer exercises have the capability to enhance upper extremity functions, HGS and trunk control. It is therefore beneficial for physical rehabilitation specialists to incorporate the arm ergometer exercises into the intervention plans for children with spastic diplegia.