The affects of sensory integration on postural balance and postural reaction in children with diplegic cerebral palsy

The aim of this research is to investigate the effects of the exercise method sensory integration therapy on postural control and postural reaction that added to the NGT therapy program of children with Cerebral Palsy. 20 patients whose ages varied between 4 to 17 and who was diagnosed with diplegic cerebral palsy were taken to the study that was conducted between the dates January 2020- April 2020. While to 10 of the patients only neurodevelopmental techniques were applied (control group), to other 10 of the patients sensory integration therapy was applied additionally. The gross motor was evaluated with GMFM-88 test, trunk control was evaluated with TMCS, balance was evaluated with Pediatric Berg Balance Scale (PBBS) and postural reaction was evaluated with manuel. All patients were evaluated with scales before and after the rehabilitation program. There was not an important change in the GMFM-88 A of both groups when it is compared before and after the treatment. A significant difference was found in B, C, D, E and total scores of between groups (p <0.05). In the inter group comparison, A, B, C and total score in the treatment group; In the control group, a significant difference was found in C, D and total score (p <0.05). A significant difference was found in the PBBS between and within-group comparisons in both group (p <0.05). All subscales of TMCS were found to be significant between groups (p <0.05). A significant difference was found in the total score control group (p <0.05). A significant difference was found in the static subscale and in the total score treatment group (p <0.05). Postural reactions increased in the treatment group. Before and after treatment, GMFM-88, TMCS and PBBS delta difference values were found to be significant variables that make significant difference between TMCS coordination and GMFM-88 C subscale (p <0.05). As a result of in our study; It was determined that sensory integration therapy applied with NGT provided significant gains in postural and postural reactions and also compared to NGT application it also provided usefulness in TMCS coordination and GMFM-88 C subscales. Keywords: Cerebral Palsy, Sensory Integration Therapy, Postural Balance, Postural Reaction