Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Versus Music Therapy in Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

This study will recruit eligible participants from the Physical Therapy Department of the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, obtain informed consent, and randomly assign them by lottery into two groups, with the assessor kept blinded. Group A will receive PNF combined with conventional physiotherapy, involving 20-30-minute sessions three times a week, beginning with a warm-up, followed by PNF techniques such as rhythmic initiation, hold-relax, and slow reversals, and ending with a cool-down to enhance muscle tone, flexibility, and motor control. Group B will receive music therapy along with conventional physiotherapy in 30-minute sessions three times a week, incorporating warm-up sensory regulation, rhythmic auditory stimulation, instrument play, movement-to-music activities, and vocal exercises, concluding with calming music for relaxation. The interventions aim to improve motor coordination, communication, and overall functional outcomes in children with cerebral palsy.

Inclusion Criteria: * Children with ataxic CP will be eligible for this study if they are between 6 to 18 years of age. * Both genders i.e boys and girls will participate. * Children diagnosed with ataxic Cerebral Palsy according to SCPE (Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe characterized ataxix CP as impairments in balance, coordination, and controlled movements) definition and classification * CP children with their gross motor function ranging from level 1-3 on GMFCS (ambulatory ). * Evidence of impaired balance or risk of fall * Both the caregiver and patients are willing to participate in this study. * Consent will be taken from guardians or caregivers. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients below or above the age of 6-18. * Patients with Down syndrome or psychiatric problems were excluded. * Musculoskeletal problems that contraindicates PNF e.g Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (in active phase) and osteogenesis imperfecta . * Patients with acute and chronic infectious diseases, coagulation diseases, and progressive cerebral diseases such as neoplasms, surgery from the upper and lower extremity in the last 1 year were excluded. * Patients with inherited diseases like trisomy 21 syndrome were excluded. * Uncontrolled epilepsy or seizures attack. * Severe motor impairment (GMFCS level 5).