The Acute Effects of Local Vibration Application to the Gastrocnemius Muscle on Gait and Balance in Individuals With Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy
This randomized controlled study aims to investigate the acute effects of local vibration applied to the spastic medial gastrocnemius muscle on balance and spatiotemporal gait parameters in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy. Children aged 4 to 18 years with spasticity levels of 1 to 2 on the Modified Ashworth Scale and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I-II will be included. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a treatment group receiving local vibration or a placebo group. Assessments will be conducted before, immediately after, and 30 minutes after the intervention. Balance will be assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Pediatric Reach Test, Tandem Stance Test, and Pediatric Berg Balance Scale. Spatiotemporal gait parameters will be measured using a digital gait analysis system. The results will provide insights into the immediate effectiveness of localized vibration therapy in pediatric cerebral palsy rehabilitation.
• Diagnosis of cerebral palsy, classified as GMFCS Level I or II
• Aged between 4 and 18 years
• Presence of spasticity in the gastrocnemius muscle (Modified Ashworth Scale score of 1, 1+, or 2)
• Able to walk independently
• Ability to follow verbal instructions
• No botulinum toxin injection in the past 3 months
• No lower limb surgery in the past 6 months
• Voluntary participation with written and verbal informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians