The effect of hydrotherapy on spasticity score and motor development in infants with cerebral palsy

Introduction: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability in children and the prevalence of this disorder is the same in both sexes. The presence of a child withdisabilities in the family, in addition to mental stress, can lead to depression especially in the mother. The most important problem with CP child care is the movement problem of these children. One of the interventions that is expected to be effective in this area is hydrotherapy. Water exercises can provide entertaining and motivational forms of physical activity, and are more effective for children with CP, especially for those with mobility restrictions. According to the above mentioned, this study was conducted with the aim of "determining the effect of hydrotherapy on motor evolution and spasticity score in infants with cerebral palsy". Methods: This is a randomized, semi-blind randomized clinical trial of ۴۴ infant aged ۱ to ۱۰ months with cerebral palsy. The intervention was hydrotherapy for eight weeks. Data gathering was done with Ashworth and Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development and Modified Ashworth Scale Instructions for motor development and spasp assessment subsequently. Data analysis was performed using SPSS۱۶th software. Results: The results showed that upper extremity (biceps and triceps muscles) and lower extremities (biceps and thigh muscles) had a significant decrease in muscle spasm due to hydrotherapy intervention. (P-Value=۰.۰۰۱). However, there was no significant increase in motor developmental dimension (P-Value=۰.۸۳۸). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that hydrotherapy significantly reduced the upper and lower extremities spasm scores of the patients, but had no significant effect on motor evolution despite having a positive intra-group effect within two months.

Keywords:

Hydrotherapy , Cerebral Palsy , Spasm , Motor Development , Infant.