Effects of interactive Tuina on spatiotemporal gait parameters in children with spastic cerebral palsy

Objective To discuss the effects of walking function-guided interactive Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) on spatiotemporal gait parameters in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Methods Fifty children with spastic diplegic CP were divided into an observation group and a control group following a paired design and random number principle, with 25 cases in each group. The observation group was treated with the walking function-guided interactive Tuina, and the control group was offered the "six methods of spine and back" Tuina, 20 min for each session and 5 sessions weekly for 3 consecutive months. The children's changes were assessed using the percentage of dimension E (walking, running, and jumping) of the gross motor function measure-88 (GMFM-88) and three-dimensional gait analysis. Results After treatment, the percentage of GMFM-88 dimension of dimension E (walking, running, and jumping) changed significantly in both groups (P<0.05), and the between-group difference was also statistically significant (P<0.05). After treatment, the step length, walking speed, and step frequency changed markedly in the observation group (P<0.05) and were significantly different from those in the control group (P<0.05). After the intervention, the stance phase and double support extended, and the swing phase became shorter in the observation group (P<0.05); the between-group differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The maximal knee flexion angle and maximal posterior pelvic tilt angle decreased After treatment in the observation group, and the maximal anterior pelvic tilt angle increased, all showing statistical significance (P<0.05); the between-group differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion Compared with the passive Tuina manipulations, the "six methods of the spine and back", walking function-guided interactive Tuina has its advantage in improving walking function in children with spastic CP, manifesting as better lower-limb force line and walking efficiency.