Cerebral Palsy Case Study Essay

Wren, T.A.L., Lee, D.C., Hara, R., Rethlefsen, S.A., Kay, R.M., Dorey, F.J., & Gilsanz, V. (2010) performed a randomized study to examine the effects of vibration therapy in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The investigators pursued effects on bone and muscle in this population. The criteria for inclusion were children with cerebral palsy 6 -12 years old (most likely to show response for bone mass accrual due to their young age), children with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels 1 -4, and able to stand for 10 minutes. Exclusion criteria included high vertebral cancellous bone density (>295mg/cm3, approximately 1 standard deviation (SD) above the average for typical development), surgery, casting, botulinum - toxin injection in the last 12 months, metal rods or plates in the tibia or lumbar spine, scoliosis > 20 degrees, bowing of the tibia, concomitant medical conditions
Impaired muscle strength and tonicity are major predictors of poor motor control affecting the ability for children with CP to develop age appropriate milestones including ambulation and other functional skills. Muscle weakness is associated with abnormal bone development (Stevenson, Conaway, Barrington, Cuthill, Worley & Henderson, 2006). The prevention and treatment of muscle weakness and bone fragility are critical areas of research in children with cerebral palsy.
The main purpose of this paper was to review and appraise literature related to whole body vibration in children with cerebral palsy and its efficacy in their bones and muscles and potential positive results in walking and other functional outcomes. Please note, as a primary provider of therapy services for children with cerebral palsy in the Central Florida community, this educational activity was also driven by a great sense of responsibility to always research additional tools for this