• The Journal of Korean Academy of Sensory Integration
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.9-18
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• 2019

Objective : This study investigated the effect of intensive weight shift training (IWST) on the ability to balance in a sitting posture of children with spastic cerebral palsy (SCP). Methods : One child with spastic diplegia participated in this study for a total of 8 weeks using the ABA experimental design. For the pre-intervention period (A1), general physical therapy (GPT) for children with SCP was performed. The intervention period (B1 and B2), GPT and IWST were conducted for children with SCP, and GPT was conducted again for the post-intervention period (A'1 and A'2). Trunk control capacity was measured using the Korean Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS-K) and Biorescue (RM Ingenierie, France). Results : All TCMS-K variables increased from A1 to B2, and decreased from B2 to A'2. The total area with limit of stability (LOS) increased from A1 to B2, and decreased from B2 to A'2. The ratio of the left/right (Lt/Rt) and anterior/posterior (Ant/Post) LOS area was closer to 1, meaning symmetry, in B2 than in A1. The ratio of the Lt/Rt LOS area decreased further from 1 in A'2 than in B2. The ratio of the Ant/Post LOS area was closer to 1 in A'2 than in B2. Conclusion : IWST had a positive effect on the improvement of balance in the sitting posture of a child with SCP. The results suggest that IWST might help to improve the balance abilities of children with SCP for independent sitting, postural control, and activities of daily living.