Effect of Intensive Segmental Trunk Training on Upper Extremity Function and Seated Postural Stability in Children With Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy

The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate whether intensive segmental trunk training (ISTT) can improve upper extremity function and seated postural stability in children aged 4-12 years with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy and moderate trunk control impairments. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does intensive segmental trunk training lead to greater improvements in seated postural stability compared to standard physical therapy? Does intensive segmental trunk training lead to greater improvements in upper extremity function compared to standard physical therapy? Researchers compared the ISTT group to the control group (standard physical therapy) to see if the targeted trunk training produces significantly better outcomes in trunk control, upper extremity skills, and gross motor function. Participants underwent their assigned training regimen five times per week for eight weeks and complete pre- and post-intervention assessments measuring trunk control (SATCo, TCT), upper extremity function (QUEST, Box and Block Test), and gross motor function (GMFM-88).

Inclusion Criteria: * Participants included were aged 4-12 years * Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Levels II-IV * ability to sit independently for at least 10 seconds * follow simple verbal instructions * moderate trunk control impairment, defined as a score of ≤ 3 on the Trunk Control Test (TCT) item assessing sitting without arm support * Children with trunk control scores within a moderate impairment range on the Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo). * Parental consent was obtained prior to participation. Exclusion Criteria: * Children with cognitive impairments severe enough to limit task comprehension * uncontrolled seizures * history of surgical interventions or Botulinum toxin injections in the preceding 6 months * receiving other therapeutic interventions targeting trunk control or upper limb function concurrently were excluded.