Balance Changes, Spina Bifida
Conditions
Keywords
Spina Bifida, Plyometric exercises, Sitting Balance, Pediatric Rehabilitation
Brief summary
Objective: To compare the efficacy of upper extremity plyometric and resistance exercises in improving trunk balance in children with Spina Bifida (SB). Methods: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) enrolled 28 children (aged 6-12 years) with lumbar-level SB, randomized to plyometric (n=14) or resistance (n=14) exercise groups for an 8-week intervention (3 days/week) alongside standard rehabilitation. Primary outcomes included Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS) for static/dynamic sitting and reaching, and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) for overall balance. Secondary outcomes included ambulation levels via Hoffer classification.
Detailed description
Objective: To compare the effectiveness of upper extremity plyometric versus resistance exercises in enhancing trunk balance among children with lumbar-level Spina Bifida (SB). Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 28 children (aged 6-12 years) diagnosed with lumbar-level SB. Participants were randomly assigned to either a plyometric exercise group (n = 14) or a resistance exercise group (n = 14). Both groups received an 8-week intervention (three sessions per week) in addition to their standard rehabilitation programs. Primary outcomes were assessed using the Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS)-evaluating static sitting, dynamic sitting, and reaching control-and the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) to assess overall balance capabilities. Secondary outcomes included ambulation status, measured using the Hoffer classification.
Interventions
OTHERupper extremity plyometric exercises
upper extremity plyometric exercises in neuro rehabilitation
OTHERupper extremity resistance exercises
upper extremity resistance exercises in neuro rehabilitation
Sponsors
Okan University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
6 Years to 15 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* The study included children diagnosed with lumbar-level Spina Bifida, * Aged 6 to 15 years, * IQ of 50 or higher based on the SPARCLE cognitive assessment
Exclusion criteria
* History of shunt infection or revision, * Tethered cord syndrome or syringomyelia, * Insufficient sitting balance, * Upper extremity spasticity or contractures, * Severe visual or hearing impairments
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS) | Day 1, right before starting treatment and right after finishing the treatment (4 weeks). using questionary scores | It measures both static and dynamic trunk control, including selective motor control and dynamic reaching abilities. The total TCMS score ranges from 0 to 58 points. Higher scores on the TCMS indicate better trunk control and function. |
| Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) | Day 1, right before starting treatment and right after finishing the treatment (4 weeks). using questionarry scores | It is a reliable and valid clinical tool designed to assess functional balance in children aged 5 to 15 years with mild to moderate balance impairments. It is a modified version of the Berg Balance Scale tailored specifically for pediatric use, focusing on balance performance during daily functional tasks. The PBS consists of 14 items, each scored on a 5-point scale from 0 to 4: The total PBS score ranges from 0 to 56 points (14 items x 4 points each). Higher scores indicate better functional balance and motor performance. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed