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Adolescents with unilateral cerebral palsy (U-CP) experience an asymmetrical posture because the less-affected lower limb is preferred for bodyweight support as a strategy of compensating for the paretic side’s muscular weakness. This study was designed to compare the effect of 12 weeks of paretic-limb-only plyometric training (PLPT) and volume-matched double-limb training (DLPT) on balance capability and gait symmetry in adolescents with U-CP. Sixty-nine adolescents with U-CP were randomly assigned to PLPT, DLPT, or a control group (n = 23 each). Treatment was delivered twice/week (with at least 48 h recovery intervals) for 12 weeks in succession. The directional (LoSdirectional) and overall (LoSoverall) limits of stability in addition to the temporal (T-GSI) and spatial (S-GSI) gait symmetry indicis were assessed pre- and post-treatment. The LoSdirectional improved significantly in the PLPT group compared to either the DLPT or control group (for the forward (p = 0.027 and <0.001, respectively), backward (p = 0.037 and <0.001, respectively), affected-side (p = 0.038 and 0.004, respectively), and less-affected-side (p = 0.018 and 0.016, respectively)), and this was also the case for the LoSoverall (p < 0.001). Additionally, The T-GSI and S-GSI scores decreased significantly in the PLPT group compared to the DLPT (p = 0.003 and 0.047, respectively) or control (p = 0.003 and 0.036, respectively) group, indicating the development more symmetrical gait patterns. In conclusion, PLPT is likely more effective for enhancing balance capabilities and promoting symmetrical gait patterns than DLPT. Thereupon, it is worthwhile for physical rehabilitation practitioners to include the PLPT paradigm into the intervention plans for adolescents with U-CP.

Background/Aims: Rebound exercises using a trampoline and BOSU ball provides proprioceptive and vestibular stimulation and improve postural control and balance. Although there is no evidence to support the benefits of using rebound exercises, it is widely used in rehabilitation. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of a rebound exercises on balance in children with spastic diplegia. Methods: Forty children with spastic diplegia from both sexes, age ranged from 6 to 10 years participated in this study. They were allocated randomly into two groups of equal numbers, one was the control group and the other was the study group. The control group received a designed physical therapy programme for 1 hour and balance training for 1 hour. The study group received the same physical therapy programme as the control group in addition to rebound exercises for one hour. The treatment programmes of both groups were conducted 3 days a week for 2 successive months. The assessments of dynamic balance were conducted pre, post treatment and 1 month after the end of the treatment using the Biodex balance system. Results: Baseline and post treatment comparisons showed a statistically significant improvement of balance in the two groups. There was no significant difference between post treatment and post 1 month follow-up in the control group, while a significant difference was recorded in the study group. Conclusions: Rebound exercises conducted with a designed physical therapy programme is beneficial and has a significant effect in improving balance.

Background: Impairedselective motor control is a common problem in children with hemiparesis; it interferes with upper extremity function and grip strength of the affected side. Aim: To study the relationship between selective motor control and upper extremity function in children with hemiparesis. Methods: This study included a convenient sample of 48 children with hemiparesis (age; four to eight years). The test of arm selective control, quality of upper extremity skill test, and hand held dynamometers were used to assess the selective motor control, upper extremityfunction and hand grip strength respectively. Results: The results showed positive significant correlation (p> 0.05) between test of arm selective control with upper extremityfunction (r=0.85) and hand grip strength (r=0.77). Moreover, there was positive significant correlation between upper extremityfunction and hand grip strength (r=0.72). Conclusion: Selective motor control is positively correlated with upper extremityfunction and hand grip strength in children with hemiparesis. The results help in the development of appropriate treatment programs for the rehabilitation of children with hemiplegia. Keywords: Cerebral palsy; Hand grip strength; Selective motor control; Unilateral cerebral palsy; Upper extremity function.

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