Effects of isokinetic exercise in children with cerebral palsy

In this study we aimed to determine whether isokinetic muscle training is more effective in improving walking, balance, muscle strength, spasticity in CP patients than conventional reinforcement treatment. CP patients whose ages were between 6-14 years were included in the study. The study group received isokinetic exercise. The control group was given, isometric and isotonic exercises (appropriate weight-resistant exercise, cycling, manual resistive exercise system). Patients were included in an exercise program 5 days a week for 4 weeks. The age, height, sex, body mass index measurements were recorded. Scale of gross motor function, functional reviews of the patients (sixty-six), six-minute walk test, timed walk test was used to get up. Patients functional evaluations were performed with gross motor function test,timed up and go test, isometric muscle strength test, knee range of motion test. Also spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale) deformity, contractures and ligament laxity was assessed.As a result, in our study we determine significant improvement in all parameters in both groups but between two groups only stair climbing and walking parameters were significantly different. According to our results, if isokinetic exercise system ,is available it can be recommended. But because of similar effectiveness conventional staining exercise programs may be preferred in CP patients.