EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF BOBATH THERAPY ON SPASTICITY IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY USING SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE METHODS

The positive effects of Bobath therapy on spasticity are known, but studies using objective data tools that can evaluate these positive effects are limited. The purpose of this study is to examine the changes in lower extremity muscle tone and viscoelastic properties of children with spastic cerebral palsy who received Bobath therapy. Thirty-three children with CP, aged between 5 and 15 (18 girls, 15 boys) years were included in the study. Based on the evaluation parameters, initial evaluations were conducted using the Modified Ashworth Scale and Myoton®PRO Digital Palpation Device, and all children continued to receive neurodevelopmental therapy (NGT) twice a week for six weeks following the initial evaluation. Muscle tone was measured with Modified Ashworth Scale, and muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity levels were measured with Myoton®PRO Digital Palpation Device. According to the results of this study, it has been determined that the sensitivity of the MyotonPRO digital palpation device is higher and more reliable than MAS in evaluating spasticity in patients with cerebral palsy. Therefore, it is recommended to use MyotonPRO digital palpation device, which is more objective and reliable in evaluating spasticity in children with cerebral palsy in future studies.