EFFECT OF TONIC VIBRATORY REFLEX ON REACHING IN SPASTIC HEMIPARETIC CEREBRAL PALSY CHILDREN

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of tonic vibratory reflex on reaching in spastic hemiparetic cerebral palsy children. Thirty spastic hemiparetic children (16 females and 14 males) ranging in age from three to five years old participated in this study. The study sample was classified randomly into two groups (control and study) of equal numbers. The study group received traditional exercise program and reaching exercise programs after application of tonic vibratory reflex (TVA) for triceps and common extensor origin, while the control group received the same exercise programs as the study group without TVR. In all patients the angles of shoulder, elbow and wrist joints were evaluated during reaching before and after the suggested treatment program. The results collected before application showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups, while the difference between before and after application also significant in both groups. After application the difference between the two groups was statistically significant in favor of the study group. The significant improvement recorded in the control group may be attributed to the effect of traditional and reaching exercise program, while the highly significant improvement recorded in the study group may be attributed to the additional use of T.V.R. In conclusion additional use of T.V.R. to the regular exercise programs can be suggested to improve reaching in spastic hemiparetic C.P. children.