الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Spastic cerebral palsy (CP) is a common pediatric disability due to injury of immature brain in the developing world. It affects voluntary movements, potentiates involuntary clonus, and leads to postural changes. Previous reports have suggested lowlevel laser therapy (LLLT) as a promising intervention with a reliable overall efficacy in reducing spasticity. The current study sought to determine whether a (12-session) LLLT over the hamstring and calf muscles is superior to traditional physiotherapy in the treatment of children with spastic CP. We included (30) children with CP of both genders, aged between two and six years old. Also, diplegic children were randomly allocated into two groups, with (15) children in each group. The control group received conventional physiotherapy, while the laser group received both physiotherapy and LLLT. The frequency of LLLT sessions was three per week, with (12) sessions in total over four weeks. Measured outcomes included muscle tone, gross motor function measure scale (GMFMS), range of motion (ROM), and the popliteal angle. These parameters were assessed before, after treatment, and after a one-month follow-up. We found a significant difference between groups in muscle tone of hamstring and calf muscles and popliteal angle in the long-term, favoring the LLLT group. Likewise, we noticed a significant difference in (ROM), but for the short-term, with no significant difference in (GMFS). Overall, LLLT proved to be an effective intervention in reducing spasticity and improving muscle elasticity. |