Utilization of facilitation techniques in rehabilitation of cerebral palsy

6^th International Conference & Exhibition on Physiotherapy & Physical Rehabilitation

August 13-14, 2018 | London, UK

Elena Ziakova, Eva Vaska and Elena Safarova

Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Slovakia
Institute of Physiotherapy, Balneology and Medical Rehabilitation, Slovakia

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Physiother Rehabil

Abstract :

Cerebral palsy is still a current theme among childrenâ??s diseases. Regular rehabilitation at the earliest stage helps markedly to moderation and stabilization of physical condition of these patients. The important point is a choice of the appropriate type of rehabilitation for a specific patient, one of which is a facilitation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of rehabilitation on gross motor functions of patients with cerebral palsy through facilitation of walking and controlled crawling on all fours by devices Lokomat® and Combofit®. Patients underwent 20 therapy sessions twice a week in devices Lokomat® and Combofit®. We have chosen international testing using the gross motor function measure to assess the level of impact of treatment. Assessment has been realized before and after the therapy. Data were obtained from medical records of patients. Group consisted of 8 patients with cerebral palsy diagnoses aged between 8-21 years. Four patients have undergone the therapy by using Lokomat® device and four others have undergone the therapy by using Combofit® device. After using both devices, we have noticed improvement of several motor functions in all patients. Patients rehabilitated by Lokomat® device have achieved little better results than those rehabilitated by Combofit® device. In the future we recommend more frequent rehabilitation using these devices in several institutions.

Biography :

Elena Ziakova, PhD works in education of physiotherapists in a higher education institution and at the same time in clinical practice. She is the Head Researcher and Co-researcher of several projects focusing on applied research in rehabilitation and prevention. Her research work address on issue of the influence of pain through physiotherapeutic methods and developmental kinesiology. She is the author of monographs, textbooks and several international articles in the proceedings and scientific journals. She is Head of Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursing and Professional Health Studies, Slovak Medical University in Bratislava.

E-mail: elenaziakov@gmail.com