The functional effect of segmental trunk and head control training in moderate-to-severe cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE: To determine whether segmental training is more effective in improving gross motor function in children and young people with moderate-to-severe cerebral palsy than conventional physiotherapy.

METHODS: Twenty-eight participants were randomized to a segmental training or control group. Outcomes were Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo), and postural sway at baseline, at primary endpoint (6 months), and at follow-up (12 months).

RESULTS: There were no significant differences in either GMFM, PEDI, or SATCo scores at primary endpoint or follow-up. There were significant reductions in anterior-posterior head angular sway and trunk sway in the segmental training group at primary endpoint but not at follow-up.

CONCLUSION: Segmental training was not superior to usual care in improving GMFM. Improvements in head and trunk sway were greater in the segmental training group at primary endpoint but not at follow-up.