Effectiveness of sensory integration training combined with electromyography triggered electrical stimulation therapy on cerebral palsy children

Objective To observe the effect of sensory integration training combined with electromyography triggered electrical stimulation therapy on motor function and daily activities of children with cerebral palsy. Methods Retrospective analysis was performed using data from 50 cerebral palsy children who underwent rehabilitation in Department of Children Rehabilitation, Huai'an Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital. All the children received conventional rehabilitation methods such as physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), massage, and acupuncture. Furthermore, 24 children treated with electromyography triggered electrical stimulation were selected as a control group, while 26 children treated with sensory integration training combined with myoelectric trigger electrical stimulation were selected as a treatment group. The average treatment course was three months. Their gross motor function was evaluated by the GMFM-88, and their activities of daily living were assessed by the ADL scale before and after treatment. Results After treatment, both groups presented remarkable increases in the scores of areas A to E and the total scores of GMFM-88 scale and ADL scale, compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the treatment group produced remarkable increases in the area E score and total score of GMFM-88 scale, and ADL scale score, compared with the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the treatment group also presented obvious improvement in ADL disorder, compared with those before treatment. Meanwhile, the treatment group also presented obvious improvement in ADL disorder, compared with the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions Sensory integration training combined with electromyography triggered electrical stimulation therapy can further improve the gross motor function and the activities of daily living of children with cerebral palsy.