Systematic review: exercise training for equinus deformity in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Abstract Background Children with spastic cerebral palsy have motor deficits that can lead to joint contractures. Ankle equinus deformity is the most common foot deformity among children with CP. It is caused by spasticity and muscular imbalance in the gastrocnemius-soleus complex. Exercise enhances ankle function, improves gait in children with CP, and prevents permanent impairment. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the effectiveness of different types of exercise used in equine management. The aim of this review is to assess the evidence of the effectiveness of exercise training on equinus deformity in children with cerebral palsy. Methodology The American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology were used to conduct this systematic review. Four databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and Google Scholar) were searched till January 2022 using predefined terms by two independent reviewers. Randomized controlled trials published in English were included. This review included seven studies with 203 participants ranging in age from 5 to 18 years. Methodological quality was assessed using AACPDM, PEDro scale; also, levels of evidence adopted from modified Sacket’s scale were used for each study. Primary outcomes were dorsiflexion angle, plantar flexion angle, and plantar flexors strength. Results The quality of studies ranged from good (six studies) to fair (one study). The level of evidence was level 1 (six studies) and level 2 (one study) on modified Sacket’s scale. There is a low risk of bias in the included studies. Meta-analysis revealed a non-significant difference in plantar flexor strength, plantar flexion angle, and dorsiflexion angle between the study and control group. Conclusions There is a need for high-quality studies to draw a clear conclusion as the current level of evidence supporting the effectiveness of various types of exercises on equinus deformity in children with cerebral palsy is still weak.