Visual-Based Training Program for Motor Functions in Cerebral Palsied Children with Cortical Visual Impairment

Abstract

Background/Aim: Cortical visual impairment (CVI) is a temporary or permanent visual dysfunction resulting from damage to the visual systems in the brain that deal with processing and integrating visual information. The aim of current study was to investigate the effect of visual-based training program on motor functions in cerebral palsied (CP) children with CVI. Methods: Twenty six spastic CP children with CVI from both sex, ranged in age from 2 to 4 years, participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to two groups of equal number; control (I) and study (II) groups. Children in group I received the conventional physical and occupational therapy program inside the normally lighted room. Children in group II received the same program given to group I using visual stimulation modalities inside the sensory room. Treatment duration for both groups was 2½ hours, 3 days per week for a successive three months. Gross and fine motor functions were evaluated before and after treatment using Gross Motor Function Measure Scale (GMFM) and Peabody Developmental Motor Scale (PDMS) respectively. Findings: This study showed a statistically significant improvement of gross motor skills in both groups (P=0.001), however, a significant difference was seen between both groups, but in favour to group II (P=0.000). Regarding fine motor skills, no significant improvement was seen in group I (P=0.15) however, significant improvement was obtained in group II (0.001) after treatment. Conclusion: Training of gross and fine motor skills using visual stimulation modalities inside sensory room is effective for CP children with CIV to improve their gross and fine motor functions.

The Effectiveness of Sensory Integration Interventions on Motor and Sensory Functions in Infants with Cortical Vision Impairment and Cerebral Palsy: A Single Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Previous studies have shown that motor developmental delay due to motor and proprioceptive loss was observed in infants with cortical vision loss [ 10 ]. According to our study results, motor development delay may be observed in infants with cortical vision loss, but the sensory integration intervention alone cannot contribute to a significant improvement in motor development.…”

“…Previous researchers have shown the efficacy of sensory integration therapy on fine motor skills [ 8 ] and walking parameters [ 9 ] in children with CP who did not experience CVI. In a randomized controlled study with 26 children aged 2–4 years with CVI and spastic CP, it was found that sensory integration therapy applied in addition to conventional physiotherapy for 3 days a week for 3 months improved gross and fine motor skills [ 10 ].…”