The effect of posture, balance and proprioception exercises on trunk functions in children with obstetric brachi̇al plexus injury

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of posture, balance and proprioception exercises on trunk functions in children with Obstetric Brachial Plexus Injury (OBPY). In the study, a total of 23 children aged 5-17 years (Types 1, 2 and 3 in the Narakas clinical classification system) diagnosed with OBPY in special education centers were divided into two groups as group I (n=12) and group II (n=11). Classic brachial plexus therapy was applied to the children in group I (2 days a week for 8 weeks), and posture, balance and proprioception exercises were applied to the children in group II in addition to the classical brachial plexus treatment 2 days a week for 8 weeks. Upper extremity functions by Mallet Classification, Narakas Classification, Active Movement Scale, Manual Dexterity Classification System (EBSS), balance by One Leg Standing Test (TAUD), Functional Reach Test (FUT), trunk functions by Trunk Control Test (TCT) and Trunk It was evaluated before and after treatment with the Impairment Scale (DIB). Functional Reaching Test, Time to Stand on One Leg, Trunk Impairment Scale, Trunk Control Test, Hand Dexterity Classification System evaluation parameters were similar to the groups before the training (p>0.05), and there was a difference between the groups in the Active Movement Scale value (p<0). .05). At the end of the eight-week training, while functional reaching and active range of motion increased in group I (p<0.05), no change was found in trunk functions, TAUD, and EBSS parameters (p>0.05). While an increase was observed in trunk functions, balance values and active range of motion in Group II (p<0.05), no change was found in EBSS (p>0.05). When the differences between the groups were compared, it was observed that the increase in balance and trunk functions was higher in Group II (p<0.05), while the differences were similar in other parameters (p>0.05). We think that posture, balance and proprioception exercises are effective on trunk functions and balance in children with OBPY and it would be beneficial to add them to rehabilitation programs.