Abstract
Background and purpose: Recent research shows that functional therapy programmes lead improvement in motor abilities of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Many studies reported the effect of closed kinematic chain (CKC) exercises in improving gait parameters. This case report describes the effect of CKC exercises in improving gait parameters of children with CP, thereby increasing functional independency.
Case description: A 12-year-old male child with right-sided hemiplegic CP with 1+ spasticity on the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). The child was able to ambulate independently without walking aids.
Intervention: The patient received CKC exercises for 30 minutes, 3 times a week for a period of 4 weeks. The CKC exercise programme included a static bicycling exercise, mini-squatting exercise, and step up and down exercise. The patient also received stretching exercises for the hamstring, quadriceps, and gastrocnemius muscles after CKC exercises.
Results: An increase in step length, stride length, cadence, and velocity was noted. The patient also improved their functional status as measured by functional independence measure for children (WeeFIM).
Conclusion: This study concluded that CKC exercises can improve gait parameters and functional status in CP. Further research is warranted to confirm the generalisability of these findings and to identify which sub group of CP might benefit from these exercises.