Background and Purpose: Spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (SDCP) mainly affects the lower limbs and is associated with trunk weakness, reduced balance and difficulties in carrying out activities of daily living. Trunk stabilization exercises enhance muscle strength and postural control. Performing these exercises on unstable surfaces like BOSU ball may develop neuromuscular demands and trunk control. This study aimed to compare the effects of trunk stabilization exercises with and without a BOSU ball on balance and gross motor functions in children with SDCP. Methods: 20 subjects with SDCP were recruited based on the inclusion and the exclusion criteria and were randomly assigned into two groups. Group A (n=10) received trunk stabilization exercises on BOSU ball, while Group B (n=10) received the same exercises on a mat. Both groups underwent intervention 4 times a week for 4 weeks. Pre and post intervention assessments were done using Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Gross Motor Functions Measure-88 (GMFM-88), and Wee FIM as outcome measures. Results: Group A showed a statistically significant improvement in PBS scores (p0.09) or in WeeFIM scores between the groups. Conclusion: Trunk stabilization exercises on a BOSU ball were better in improving balance and specific gross motor functions, like sitting and walking, when compared with exercises done without it. However, both methods were equally effective for standing and performing daily functional tasks. Key words: Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy, Trunk Stabilization Exercises, BOSU ball, Gross motor functions, Balance, Activity of Daily Living.
Rana et al. (Mon,) studied this question.