Lower Extremity Functional Training (LIFT) on Gross Motor Function and Gait in Children With Spastic CP (LIFT)

Lower Extremity Functional Training (LIFT) on Gross Motor Function and Gait in Children With Spastic CP

Effects of Lower Extremity Functional Training (LIFT) on Gross Motor Function and Gait in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is a developmental disorder caused by damage to the brain before, during or after birth. Spastic Cerebral Palsy is one of the most common types of cerebral Palsy. It affects about 80% of cerebral palsy. Spastic CP is characterized by increased muscle tone, jerky movements, joint stiffness, and muscle tightness. Spastic Cerebral primarily affects strength, coordination, and balance resulting in gait difficulties and affecting gross motor functioning. These abnormalities affect the very basic activities of daily life (ADLs). Even if the child is able to walk the motor skills are usually disturbed which are very important to improve and maintain gross motor functioning. Physical therapy plays a vital role in overcoming these issues.

In the previous studies the effects of LIFT on the trunk and core has been studies however, the data on the effects on the gross motor skills are very less. In addition to that the effects of lower extremity functional training on the gait have also been limited to a few studies only. The past studies were of very short time period due to which the proper effects of LIFT on the gait and gross motor skills were not very well understood.

motor learning, skill progression, and resistance training to target the balance, strength, and coordination impairments of the lower extremities. Motor learning will be based on strength and balance training using tandem walks, balance boards, and one-leg standing. Skill progression will be used to challenge the LIFT and the strength training will be achieved by performing sit-to-stand, sit-ups, stair climbs, and vertical jumps

motor learning, skill progression, and resistance training to target the balance, strength, and coordination impairments of the lower extremities. Motor learning will be based on strength and balance training using tandem walks, balance boards, and one-leg standing. Skill progression will be used to challenge the LIFT and the strength training will be achieved by performing sit-to-stand, sit-ups, stair climbs, and vertical jumps

1-minute walk test will be used to measure the functional ability of the child. This is a cost-effective and user-friendly tool which makes it a very suitable tool to be used in various clinical settings. This tool is selected because of the low attention span and ability of children to perform other tests. This test can be conducted in a short duration of time giving the required results

a. The single-leg stance test is used to check the balance control along with the static posture control on the affected side. This tool is considered valuable and effective in monitoring the musculoskeletal; status and neurological status of the individual

The Gross Motor Function Measure31 is a criterion-referenced assessment designed to be used with children with cerebral palsy. It evaluates the child's ability to complete motor functions, such as rolling, crawling, sitting, standing, walking, running, stair use, and jumping.

Inclusion Criteria: Patients who are not able to stand Age between 7 to 16 years Patients living near the designated center Exclusion Criteria: Patients with comorbidities Patients with cognitive impairment Patients who are not able to follow commands Patients with a history of falls

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