우에다 응용기법이 경직성 뇌성마비의 근긴장도 및 호흡 기능에 미치는 효과 : 단일사례연구

Effects of the Ueda Applied Technique on Muscle Tone and Pulmonary Function in Spastic Cerebral Palsy : Single Case Study

Purpose : This single-case study aimed to investigate the effects of the Ueda applied technique using the Ueda wedge on respiratory and motor functions to relieve muscle tone in patients with spastic cerebral palsy. Methods : The participant was a 21-year-old woman with spastic cerebral palsy diagnosed with white periventricular leukomalacia, and the Ueda applied technique using the Ueda wedge was performed three times a week for 4 weeks, 30 min per session, totaling 12 times. The treatment effects were evaluated for the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), respiratory rate, respiratory function (forced vital capacity [FVC] and forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1]), and gross motor functions measure (GMFM) before and after application and 12 days after application. Results : After applying the Ueda applied technique using the Ueda wedge, muscle tone decreased in the arms and legs, and most of it was maintained until day 12 after the application. The respiratory rate decreased significantly after application compared with before application but increased slightly on day 12 after the application. All respiratory functions (FVC and FEV1) increased significantly from before to 12 days after the application. The GMFM improved in the areas of sitting, lying, and roll over after application compared with before application and was maintained until 12 days after application. Conclusion : The Ueda applied technique is very effective in relieving muscle tone in patients with spastic cerebral palsy. Therefore, this study confirmed that muscle tone relief positively affects respiratory and motor functions.