Surge Faradic Stimulation of Dorsiflexors with Wobble Board exercises for improving Weight Bearing and Balance in spastic unilateral Cerebral Palsy: A Case Report

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: - Cerebral palsy is the most common neurological disorder affecting pediatric age group. In present study, a 6year male patient with hemiplegic cerebral palsy who has been operated for Tendoachilies lengthening by Z plasty was having severe pain at operated side and he was having weakness in Tibialis anterior muscle as well as he has reduced weight bearing on the left lower limb and affected balance. METHODOLOGY: - Surge faradic stimulation was given to Tibialis anterior muscle for strengthening and a visual feedback was also given to him. During stimulation he was asked to get the visual feedback of his foot moving in dorsiflexion and he was also encouraged to do active dorsiflexion during surge faradic stimulation. After stimulation, wobble board exercises were also given in addition to conventional physiotherapy treatment. The outcome measures were pediatric functional reach test and foot prints CONCLUSION: -After comparison of pre and post treatment outcome measures, it was found that surge faradic stimulation may show improvement in promoting weight bearing and improving balance in the children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.