{Reference Type}: Randomized Controlled Trial
{Title}: Effect of physical training on motor function of ambulant children with diplegia after selective dorsal rhizotomy: A randomized controlled study.
{Author}: Abd-Elmonem AM;Ali HA;Saad-Eldien SS;Rabiee A;Abd El-Nabie WA;
{Journal}: NeuroRehabilitation
{Volume}: 53
{Issue}: 4
{Year}: 2023
{Factor}: 1.986
{DOI}: 10.3233/NRE-230098
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Children with spastic diplegia experience tonicity, lack of selective motor control, subnormal postural stability and delayed motor development. Selective dorsal rhizotomy followed by physical therapy is a permanent procedure aimed to alleviate hypertonicity.<BR><B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To explore the efficacy of selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) followed by a physical training on gross motor function (GMF), functional balance, walking capacity, selective motor control (SMC) and energy cost of walking (ECW) of ambulant children with spastic diplegia.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Forty-two children with spastic diplegia aged 5 to 8 years were randomly assigned into the control or SDR-group. Both groups received a designed physical training of progressive functional strength training and standard orthotic management (SOM) 3 times a week for 6 months. GMF, functional balance, ECW, functional capacity and SMC were assessed by gross motor function measure (GMfM-88), pediatric balance scale (PBS), energy expenditure index (EEI), six-minute walking test (6MWT) and selective control assessment of lower extremity (SCALE), respectively. Assessment was carried out before the treatment (baseline), after 6 months (post I) and 1-year follow-up (post II).<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>From baseline to post I and post II assessments, changes of GMF, functional balance, ECW, functional capacity and SMC within the control and SDR groups showed significant improvements (P < 0.001). Moreover, group comparison showed significant differences in favor of the SDR group.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Integrated physical training followed SDR demonstrated qualitative changes and enhancement in motor function, achieved by spasticity reduction.