Effects of task-oriented training for Gross Motor Function Measure, balance and gait function in persons with cerebral palsy

Effects of task-oriented training for Gross Motor Function Measure, balance and gait function in persons with cerebral palsy

Objective: This study was to investigate the effects of Task-oriented training for Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), gait and balance function in cerebral palsy. Design: Randomized controlled trials. Methods: Twenty four subjects were recruited by means of a convenience sampling from Kangseo-Gu G rehabilitation center. Subjects were 24 inpatients and were randomly divided into a task-oriented training group and a conventional group. Twelve patients were experimental group who executed the task-oriented training (5 times/wk) for 4 weeks. The task-oriented program mainly focused on the capabilities of independent walking, with the angle of inclination set at 0 degrees and walking at a self-selected comfortable speed. In addition, balance training included the one-legged standing with weight-shifting and task-oriented training. Twelve patients were control group who executed only general conventional therapy (5 times/wk) for 4 weeks. All subjects were evaluated about the motor function, gait and balance function. Subjects have conducted the measured variables, GMFM, GAITRite, PDM Multifunction Force Measuring Plate after treatment. Results: There was statistically significant increase of Gross Motor Function Measure scores of the experimental group and control group after 4 weeks (p<.05). There was statistically significant increase of gait and balance function of the experimental group after 4 weeks of task-oriented training (p<.05). The experimental group showed a significantly improvement in GMFM, gait, and balance compared to the control group (p<0.05). Conclusions: This study proved that task-oriented training after stroke can improve Gross Motor Function Measure, gait and balance. Thus this study can suggest that task-oriented training for gross motor function, gait and balance be effective on the cerebral palsy.