Effect Of Passive Elongation Of Scapula Retractors On Neck Control In Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy

INTRODUCTION: Neck hyperextension is a powerful strategy that may hinder the normal motor development resulting in abnormal quality of muscle tone and movement. This leads to abnormal developmental pattern which hinders the midline orientation of the head. Inhibition of this pattern along with facilitation of normal development pattern may have a positive effect on neck control. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of passive elongation of scapula retractors on neck control in children with spastic cerebral palsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 children with a mean age 18.47 ± 6.34(months) were randomized into two groups. All children underwent an initial baseline assessment of Clinical rating Scale for Head Control and GMFM-66 (Dimension-A). All the two groups received conventional exercises. The experimental group in addition received passive elongation of scapula retractors. The intervention period was of 6 weeks duration, 5 days/week. Follow-up was assessed at 6 weeks. RESULTS: The overall results of the study showed improvement in the head control, in both clinical rating scale (CRS) for head control and Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66) dimension-A at the end of 6 weeks of treatment in both groups. However, the experimental group showed a significant more improvement. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates that conventional treatment combined with passive elongation of scapula retractors is superior to conventional treatment alone in improving the neck control in children with spastic cerebral palsy.