This study examined the effects of trunk stabilization exercise on balance and trunk control in children with spastic diplegia. Four children with ambulatory spastic diplegia participated in the trunk stabilization exercise program using a Both Sides Utilized (BOSU) ball, 30 minutes a day, two times a week for eight weeks. Outcome variables included the pediatric balance scale, trunk control movement scale and multifidus thickness using ultrasound image. After trunk stabilization exercise, there was statistically no significant improvement in pediatric balance scale, trunk control movement scale and multifidus thickness. However, individual outcomes were observed with some positive changes. Balance, trunk control movement, and thickness of multifidus were found to be improved. Trunk stabilization exercise using a BOSU ball could improve trunk control and increase the thickness of multifidus in children with spastic diplegia. Further investigation is needed to evaluate subjects according to type of cerebral palsy and to understand the relationship between postural control and gait.

In children with cerebral palsy, bone density is decreased by disturbance of bone remodelling due to lack of normal weight bearing and muscle contraction through physical activity. Loss of bone density cause fracture, delays treatment with immobilization, and leads to functional limitation. The purpose of this study was to investigate bone mineral density of lumbar spine in children with spastic quadriplegia and diplegia. Six spastic quadriplegia and 14 spastic diplegia were evaluated in this study. QDR 4500 X-ray densitometer was used to measure bone density at lumbar spine (L1~L4). Children with cerebral palsy showed lower bone density than that of normal children. Bone density in children with spastic quadriplegia and diplegia was , , respectively. However, there was no significant differences in bone density between children with spastic quadriplegia and diplegia. There was no significant difference in bone density relation to motor development level, height, and weight. Further study is needed to find the appropriate interventions for preventing loss of bone density in children with cerebral palsy.

The purpose of this study was to compare and evaluate various hand functions in the most common position (chair sitting, standing, floor sitting) used by cerebral palsied children with spastic diplegia. The results, analysed statistically, could be useful in suggesting treatment strategy for the improvement of hand function in such patient. For this study, 27 children mild or moderate spastic diplegia were chosen. They were patients of the Rehabilitation Hospital, Yonsei University Medical Center. Both dominant and nondominant hands were tested by the Box and Block Test. Bilateral hand function was tested by bead striding and card sorting activities. Collected data was analysed using univariate correlation analysis and MANOVA. Results were as follows: 1) In chair sitting there was a significant positive correlation between dominant hand scores in the Bloc and Box Test and chronological age, gestation period, and time of treatment initiation. In bilateral hand function, card sorting scores correlated positively with time of treatment initiation. 2) In standing, there was a significantly positive correlation between dominant hand scores in the Block and Box Test and time of treatment initiation. 3) In floor sitting, there was a significantly positive correlation between the dominance hand scores in the Block and Box Test and the tine of treatment initiation. Bead stringing, a bilateral hand activity, correlated positively with gestation period and birth weight but negatively with the postnatal incubation period. 4) That score of children who walked showed no significant difference in any of the three postures. 5) Highest test scores in children who could nat walk were in the Box and Block Test for nondominant hand in bead stringing for bilateral hand function. There scores occurred with the children in thee chair sitting posture. The results showed that, in order to improve hand function in children with spastic diplegia, it is necessary to maintain a well supported upright trunk posture with variations allowed for relevance to the chosen position of thee improvements hand activity being performed.