IMPACT OF NEURODEVELOPMENTAL TREATMENT ON GROSS MOTOR FUNCTION AND SPASTICITY IN CHILDREN WITH SPASTIC CEREBRAL PALSY: A REGIONAL STUDY FROM PUNJAB, INDIA / न्यूरोडेवलपमेंटल ट्रीटमेंट का स्पास्टिक सेरेब्रल पाल्सी वाले बच्चों में ग्रॉस मोटर फंक्शन और स्पास्टिसिटी पर प्रभाव: पंजाब, भारत से एक क्षेत्रीय अध्ययन

Authors

  • Lalit Arora Associate Professor, University College of Physiotherapy, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, Punjab, India
  • Gurmeet Kaur Sethi Professor & Ex-Principal, GGS Medical College & Hospital, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, Punjab, India
  • Reena Arora Associate Professor, University College of Physiotherapy, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, Punjab, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejprs.v5i1.235

Keywords:

Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT), cerebral palsy, spasticity, gross motor function, physiotherapy, GMFM-88, rehabilitation

Abstract

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive neurological disorder leading to motor impairment and spasticity in children. Among its subtypes, spastic diplegia is the most common and causes significant limitations in posture and mobility. Although both Conventional Physiotherapy (CPT) and Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) are widely practiced interventions, evidence regarding their comparative effectiveness remains inconsistent. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) combined with Conventional Physiotherapy (CPT) compared to CPT alone on gross motor function and spasticity in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 100 children (aged 4–12 years) with spastic diplegic CP, classified as GMFCS Level III–IV. Group A received NDT combined with CPT, while Group B received CPT alone, for 90 minutes per session, three times weekly, over 12 months. Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) were used as outcome measures, assessed at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 months. Results: Group A showed significantly greater improvement in GMFM-88 scores compared to Group B at 4, 8, and 12 months (p<0.001). Similarly, a significant reduction in MAS scores was observed in Group A at all post-treatment intervals (p<0.001). These findings indicate superior gains in gross motor abilities and reduction in spasticity with combined NDT and CPT. Conclusion: Neurodevelopmental Treatment, when integrated with Conventional Physiotherapy, produces better improvements in motor function and reduction in spasticity than Conventional Physiotherapy alone. The results support incorporating NDT principles in pediatric neurorehabilitation programs for children with spastic cerebral palsy.

 

Author Biographies

  • Lalit Arora, Associate Professor, University College of Physiotherapy, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, Punjab, India

    Dr. Lalit Arora, PT - Associate Professor & HOD, University College of Physiotherapy, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, Punjab, India. His research interests include pediatric neurorehabilitation, neurodevelopmental treatment and motor function recovery in children with cerebral palsy.

    ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5556-2946

    ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lalit-Arora

  • Gurmeet Kaur Sethi, Professor & Ex-Principal, GGS Medical College & Hospital, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, Punjab, India

    Dr. Gurmeet Kaur Sethi - Professor & Ex-Principal, GGS Medical College & Hospital, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, Punjab, India. She has extensive experience in pediatric neurology and clinical rehabilitation and has guided several postgraduate and doctoral research projects in physiotherapy.

  • Reena Arora, Associate Professor, University College of Physiotherapy, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, Punjab, India

    Dr. Reena Arora, PT - Associate Professor, University College of Physiotherapy, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, Punjab, India. Her academic and clinical interests include motor control, spasticity management, and early intervention strategies for children with developmental disabilities.

    ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5723-1165

    ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Reena-Arora

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Published

2025-11-12

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Vol. 5 No. 1 (2025)

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