PLYOMETRIC TRAINING VERSUS STRENGTHENING EXERCISE ON PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOSOCIAL FUNCTIONING IN CHILDREN WITH HEMIPLEGIA

ABSTRACT
 
The aim of this study was to compare between the effect of plyometric training and strengthening exercise on physical and psychosocial functioning in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.
Thirty-four children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) from both sexes were participated in this study. Their ages were ranged from 8 to 10 years old and they were randomly assigned into two equal groups (A and B). Both groups received designed physical therapy program. In addition, children in groups (A) received strengthening exercise, while children in group (B) received plyometric training three sessions per week for twelve consecutive weeks. Physical and psychosocial functioning for each child were assessed before and after the treatment by Pediatric quality of life inventory (PedsQL).
The results showed that there was a significant improvement in physical and psychosocial functioning in group (A and B) post-treatment compared with pre-treatment ( p = 0.001). By comparing post-treatment mean values of both groups, there was a significant improvement in favor to group (B).
It could be concluded that plyometric training is an effective treatment modality that can be used in improving quality of life in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.