Gross Motor Function Scale Assessment in Children with Cerebral Palsy on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Abstract

Background: cerebral palsy (CP) describes a permanent and early onset disorder of motor function in children leading to activity limitation which is assessed by Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) which is a standardized observational tool designed and validated to measure changes in gross motor functions over time. Objective: to assess gross motor function in children with CP under Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Method: In present prospective study, 60 CP children aged 3-12 years, divided into two groups, group I (40 children received HBOT assessed for GMFM scores and severity at the beginning, after 20, 40 sessions and at the end of treatment). Group II (20 children received conventional rehabilitation program assessed for GMFM scores and severity at the beginning and at the end of treatment). Statistical analysis of changes within each group and comparison between groups were done by suitable statistical tests.