IMPACT OF NEURODEVELOPMENTAL TREATMENT ON GROSS MOTOR FUNCTION AND SPASTICITY IN CHILDREN WITH SPASTIC CEREBRAL PALSY: A REGIONAL STUDY FROM PUNJAB, INDIA / न्यूरोडेवलपमेंटल ट्रीटमेंट का स्पास्टिक सेरेब्रल पाल्सी वाले बच्चों में ग्रॉस मोटर फंक्शन और स्पास्टिसिटी पर प्रभाव: पंजाब, भारत से एक क्षेत्रीय अध्ययन
Abstract
Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive neurological disorder leading to motor impairment and spasticity in children. Among its subtypes, spastic diplegia is the most common and causes significant limitations in posture and mobility. Although both Conventional Physiotherapy (CPT) and Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) are widely practiced interventions, evidence regarding their comparative effectiveness remains inconsistent. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) combined with Conventional Physiotherapy (CPT) compared to CPT alone on gross motor function and spasticity in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 100 children (aged 4–12 years) with spastic diplegic CP, classified as GMFCS Level III–IV. Group A received NDT combined with CPT, while Group B received CPT alone, for 90 minutes per session, three times weekly, over 12 months. Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) were used as outcome measures, assessed at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 months. Results: Group A showed significantly greater improvement in GMFM-88 scores compared to Group B at 4, 8, and 12 months (p<0.001). Similarly, a significant reduction in MAS scores was observed in Group A at all post-treatment intervals (p<0.001). These findings indicate superior gains in gross motor abilities and reduction in spasticity with combined NDT and CPT.
Conclusion: Neurodevelopmental Treatment, when integrated with Conventional Physiotherapy, produces better improvements in motor function and reduction in spasticity than Conventional Physiotherapy alone. The results support incorporating NDT principles in pediatric neurorehabilitation programs for children with spastic cerebral palsy.
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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejprs.v5i1.235
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