EFFECTS OF A CORE STABILITY EXERCISE PROGRAM ON BALANCE AND GAIT IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBELLAR ATAXIC CEREBRAL PALSY

Abstract

Background: Cerebellar Ataxic Cerebral Palsy (CACP) affects 5–10% of children, causing poor coordination, balance issues, and weak core stability. Core stability training can help improve these areas. This study analyzes the effects of a core stability exercise program on 
balance, gait, and severity of ataxia in children with cerebellar ataxic cerebral palsy, aiming to enhance functional independence. 
Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured core stability exercise program on improving balance, gait, postural stability, and reducing the severity of ataxia in children with cerebellar ataxic cerebral palsy. 
Methods & Materials: A total of 45 children diagnosed with CACP were recruited from Pediatric Physiotherapy Centers. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups, intervention group received 30 minutes of a core stability exercise program along with 30 minutes of conventional physiotherapy, while the control group received conventional therapy for 1 hour per session, three times per week. The duration of the study was 8 weeks. 
Outcome measures included gait, severity of ataxia, postural stability, and balance assessed using SARA scoring, Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), and HUMAC Balance System scoring. 
Results: From pre- to post-intervention, statistically significant improvements were observed in the intervention group: SARA score (23±1 to 14±4, p <0.001), BESS (31 to 16, p<0.001), and HUMAC Balance System score (50.45±8.34 to 73.05±9.11, p<0.001) compared with the control group. 
Conclusion: Core stability exercise program combined with conventional physiotherapy can effectively improve balance, gait, and reduce severity of ataxia in children with cerebellar ataxic cerebral palsy, supporting its inclusion in pediatric neurorehabilitation programs.