Effect of dual task activity programme on balance and coordination in a selected group of children aged 4-16 years with cerebral palsy (gross motor function classification system levels I and II) using telerehabilitation: A pre-post experimental study

Abstract

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) children with gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) levels I and II experience problems in performing daily activities due to impairment in balance and coordination. Telerehabilitation refers to the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to provide rehabilitation services to people remotely in their homes or other environments. It can prove beneficial to the family by decreasing time and costs related to travelling, family centred service and home-based delivery of care.Objective: To determine the effect of dual task activity programme (DTAP) on balance and coordination in CP children aged 4-16 years with GMFCS levels I and II using telerehabilitation. Method:The pre-post experimental study included 20 CP children aged 4-16 years who received DTAP using telerehabilitation with smartphone and internet for 3 days a week, for 6 weeks, each session lasting for 45 minutes. The children were assessed for balance and coordination using BOT-2 and functional mobility using the TUG test before and after intervention.Results: CP children demonstrated significant improvement in bilateral coordination (p<0.0001), balance (p<0.0001) and functional mobility (p<0.0001) post-intervention. There was no significant change in balance, coordination and functional mobility based on age, gender and GMFCS level.