“A Study to Compare the Effect of Water Walking Performed at Different Water Depths on Walking Capacity in Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy: Comparative Study”

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: CP is a neurological non-progressive static disorder of the brain that results from brain insult or injury during any of the antenatal, perinatal and postnatal stages. Spastic diplegia (SD) is a motor impairment in the upper extremities as well as the lower extremities, even though the upper extremities less affected than the lower one. Aquatic therapy includes buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, and hydrodynamic force which may allow children with Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy to exercise in the water with more freedom than on land. Water viscosity also offers resistance, which is often used in aqua therapy programs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of water walking performed at different depths (i.e. Nipple Level & ASIS Level) on walking capacity in Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy.

METHOD: A total of 40 Subjects were Included in Study according to Selection Criteria. They were divided into 2 groups, 20 Subjects in each group, in group A, water walking performed at water depth at nipple level and in group B, water walking performed at water depth at ASIS level. The walking capacity was assessed with One Minute Walk Test. Outcome Measures were taken on day 1 and after 6 weeks.

RESULTS: Within group analysis was done to check the effectiveness in both the groups. Pre and post data in group A & Group B were analysed using Paired T-Test for 1 Minute walk test. Between group analysis was performed to compare the effect of both groups. Data was analysed using Un- Paired T-Test for 1 Minute walk test. In within group comparison water walking at nipple level as well as ASIS level shows improvement in walking capacity of spastic cerebral palsy. More improvement was found within Water Walking Performed at Water Depth at Nipple Level.

 CONCLUSION: Water walking performed at water depth at nipple level showed significantly more improvement in walking capacity than water walking performed at water depth at ASIS level. Water walking can be included as form of exercise for improving walking capacity of the spastic diplegic cerebral palsy children’s.