The effects of core stability exercises on proprioception and balance in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy

Background: Trunk control is necessary to maintain the body position, to ensure stabilization in the change of position, to perform activities of daily living and for activity. At the same time, it allows maintaining an upright posture, regulating weight transfer, controlled movement against gravity, controlling and changing body position for balance and function. In this study, it was aimed to examine the effects of core exercises on proprioception and balance in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Material and methods: The research was conducted using a single-group pre-test post-test experimental design. The population of the study consisted of 20 people aged 4-12, diagnosed with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, who received training and treatment at a private educational institution between November 2021 and October 2022, and met the criteria for inclusion in the study. The "Trunk Impairment Scale" and "Pediatric Berg Balance Scale" were used to collect the data. In the evaluation of the data; numbers, percentages, standard deviation, mean, minimum and maximum values, Independent Samples t-test and Wilcoxon test were used. Results: It was determined that the difference between the pre-test-post-test pediatric balance scale and static sitting balance, dynamic sitting balance, coordination sub-dimensions mean scores and trunk impact scale mean scores of individuals was statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusions: Core stability exercises applied to children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy had positive effects on proprioception and balance.