EFFECTS OF ACTIVITY BASED SCAPULAR MOBILIZATION ON UPPER LIMB FUNCTION IN CHILDREN WITH ERB’S PALSY

Abstract

An ailment known as erb’s palsy affects neuromuscular system causes weakness or paralysis of the affected arm, limited range of motion and possible deformities. The specific muscles affected are those controlled by the C5 and C6 nerve roots. Scapular mobilization refers to therapeutic techniques or exercises aimed at improving the mobility, stability, and function of the scapula (shoulder blade). The objective of the study was to determine the effects of activity based scapular mobilization techniques on upper limb function in children with erb’s palsy. It was randomized clinical trial and carried out in social security hospital Gujranwala and M.Islam Teaching Hospital Kamoke District Gujranwala. Sample size of 34 patients were taken. Non probability convenient sampling technique was used. Before being randomly chosen to either the scapular mobilization technique group or the activity based scapular mobilization, participants who met the eligibility requirements gave their consent. Mallet score and Box and Block test were employed to assess the upper extremity function, respectively. Standard Goniometer was used to assess shoulder range of motion. SPSS 25 was used to analyze the data. The mean age of children in EG was 7.37±1.369 and in CG was 7.27±1. 237.independent sample of t-test of BBT and extension with p-value was <0.05, accepting the alternate hypothesis i.e. activity based scapular mobilization is effective. However, p-value mallet score and adduction were >0.05 showed that both the treatments were equally effective to improve these ranges. Mann Whitney U test p-value on flexion, abduction, IR, ER was <0.05 accepting the alternate hypothesis showed that activity based scapular mobilization is more effective. The study found that both the activity based scapular mobilization exercises and manual scapular mobilization are effective to increases ROM of shoulder joint, strength, reducing disability and gain functional movements of upper limb in children with erb’s palsy. However, activity based scapular mobilization exercises combined with manual mobilization are more effective than general mobilization technique.