Treatment of hemiplegic cerebral palsied children

Abstract

This study is a New Zealand one using the Electromyograph with six hemiplegic children under the age 14 years. These children were treated for periods of up to half an hour twice a week for six weeks. Pre and post treatment testing included standard physiotheraphy and psychological tests and videotaping. The training periods comprised relaxation of the opposing muscles envolved in the supination of the forearm. With the rapid achievement of being able to utilize the E.M.G. and to do so successfully despite the varying intellectual and motivational characteristics of the children work, was extended to other upper limb muscle groups and to strengthening facilitating muscles. Results suggestive of a general improvement of balance in the lower limb through the reduction of synergy patterns of spasticity were obtained despite the lower limbs not having been treated in any way.