J Korean Phys Ther.  2018 Aug;30(4):123-128. 10.18857/jkpt.2018.30.4.123.

Effects of NMES and Horseback Riding Using a Robotic Device on the Trunk Muscle Activity and Gross Motor Function in Children with Spastic Diplegia

• Park SJ
• Youn PS

• KMID: 2437912
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18857/jkpt.2018.30.4.123

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study examined the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and horseback riding using a robotic device on the trunk muscle activity and gross motor function in children with spastic diplegia.
METHODS
Children with spastic diplegia were divided into two groups: an experimental group (NMES and horseback riding using a robotic device [n=10]) and a control group (placebo NMES and horseback riding using a robotic device [n=10]). Each group received general physical therapy and occupational therapy. Each intervention involved the administration of NMES for 15 minutes and horseback riding using robotic device therapy for 15 minutes three times a week for 4 weeks. The evaluation included both the rectus abdominis muscles (RA), external oblique muscles (EO), thoracic paraspinal muscles (TP), and lumbar paraspinal muscles (LP) activity and GMFM.
RESULTS
The RA, EO, TP, and LP muscle activity, GMFM C, D, and E were increased significantly in the experimental and control groups. A significant increase in both the TP muscle activity and GMFM D was observed in the experimental group compared to the control group.
CONCLUSION
This study showed that horseback riding using a robotic device is an effective intervention for trunk muscle activity and GMFM in children with spastic diplegia. However, if NMES is added to the back muscles, it is possible to further increase the thoracic paraspinal muscle activity and standing ability.

Keyword

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation; Horseback riding using a robotic device; Trunk muscle activity; Gross motor function; Spastic diplegia

MeSH Terms

Back Muscles
Cerebral Palsy*
Child*
Electric Stimulation
Humans
Muscle Spasticity*
Muscles
Occupational Therapy
Paraspinal Muscles
Rectus Abdominis