Effect of vibration on upper limb spasticity and function in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy

Introduction: Children with cerebral palsy hemiparesis commonly have spasticity in upper limb especially in elbow and wrist flexors, limiting reaching, grasping, object manipulation, play and self-care etc. The aim of present study was to examine weather upper limb vibration therapy is effective or not to reduce spasticity and improve upper limb function in hemiplegic cerebral palsy children.
Method: 32 children were randomly assigned to conventional and experimental groups. Spasticity was measured by modified modified ashworth scale, reaching was measured by pediatric reach test, and quality of upper extremity skill testwas used for upper limb function. Conventional Group was treated by weight bearing exercise and multi direction reaching, while experimental group was given upper limb vibration in addition to multi direction reaching for 6 weeks, 5 days/ week.
Statistical analysis: Data was analysed using Mann Whitney U test by taking the change of score from pre to post. To find out the difference between the groups for changed score of modified modified ashworth scale and quality of upper extremity skill test. ANOVA was used for paediatric reach test.
Results: Results of the study showed that both the conventional and experimental groups improved their upper limb function from pre to post test measurement. However the experimental group showed better changes as compared to the conventional group.
Conclusion: Upper limb vibration with conventional physiotherapy brings about more improvement in spasticity, reaching and quality of upper limb than conventional physiotherapy alone in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.