Background: Previous studies have highlighted the beneficial impact of trunk strength training on gross motor muscle function. Additionally, trunk strength training has been shown to enhance upper limb function and balance in children with cerebral palsy. Although numerous studies have explored dynamic and static balance for children with cerebral palsy, none have yet examined the combined application of kinetic link training (KLT) and bird dog exercise (BDE). Objectives: To investigated the effect of cerebral Palsy on the KLT and BDE. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: This study involved 30 children diagnosed with cerebral palsy. They were randomly allocated to two groups: 15 children in the KLT group and 15 in the bird-dog group. During the intervention, four participants dropped out, resulting in 26 subjects for the final analysis (KLT=11, Bird-dog=15). After randomizing the subjects into two groups, we allocated their general characteristics. Prior to starting the intervention, initial measurements were taken using the Romberg test for static balance and the limit of stability (LOS) test for dynamic balance. Each group participated in KLT and BDE for 30 minutes, three times a week for eight weeks, under the supervision of a therapist. Follow-up measurements of static and dynamic balance were taken at the conclusion of the eight-week period. The collected data was analyzed using the SPSS ver. 21.0 program by paired t-test and independent t-test. Results: In the results for static balance, the within-group comparisons indicated a significant reduction in trace length, STD velocity, and velocity postintervention compared to pre-intervention for both the KLT and BDE groups, except for the C90 area (P<.05). Regarding dynamic balance, the withingroup comparisons demonstrated a significant increase in LOS in the forward direction for the BDE group from pre- to post-intervention (P<.05). Similarly, there was a significant increase in LOS in the backward direction for the KLT group from pre- to post-intervention (P<.05). The LOS in both the left and right directions showed significant increases in the BDE group from pre- to post-intervention (P<.05). Conclusion: An eight-week intervention involving KLT and BDE exercises improved both static and dynamic balance in children with cerebral palsy.
Background: Children with cerebral palsy face challenges in maintaining body stability because of structural and functional defects. Their ability for responsive balance control is diminished. While there exist various trunk stabilization exercises such as Kinetic Link training (KLT) and the Bird-dog posture, there is a notable dearth of research that applies KLT specifically to children with cerebral palsy. Objectives: To investigate the effects of KLT and Bird-dog exercise on gross motor function and balance in children with cerebral palsy. Design: Quaxi-experimental study. Methods: The study participants were randomly divided into two groups: 15 individuals in the KLT group and 15 in the Bird-dog group. General characteristics were examined, and initial measurements of Gross motor function measure (GMFM) and Pediatric balance scale (PBS) were taken prior to the intervention. Each group engaged in KLT exercises and Bird-dog exercises for 20 minutes, three times a week over an 8 week period. Following the completion of the 8 week intervention, secondary measurements of GMFM and PBS were conducted. Results: In the KLT group, both PBS and GMFM showed a significant increase after the intervention compared to before (P<.05). Similarly, in the Bird-dog group, both PBS and GMFM significantly increased after the intervention compared to before (P<.05). There was a significant difference observed in PBS when comparing the pre- and post-intervention changes between the two groups (P<.05), whereas no significant difference was found in GMFM between the groups when comparing the pre- and post-intervention changes (P>.05). Conclusion: The interventions involving KLT and Bird-dog exercises were observed to effectively enhance PBS and GMFM in children with cerebral palsy. Specifically, it was evident that KLT was more beneficial in improving balance abilities compared to Bird-dog exercise.