Effects of Exercise Training With Proprioceptive Equipment on Proprioceptive and Functional Status of Children with Obstetrical Brachial Plexus Injury

Objectives: Decreased proprioception in Obstetric Brachial Plexus Injury (OBPI) reduces the quality of functional movement. Hence, the aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of exercise training with additional proprioceptive equipments on the functional status and proprioceptive sense in children with OBPI. Materials and Methods: Forty children with OBPI were randomly divided into two groups. Passive, active and active-assisted range of motion and stretching exercises were included in home-based program (HP) group while additional exercises with proprioceptive equipments were also added in the proprioceptive training (PT) group. After 6 weeks, proprioceptive perception and functional level were compared to pre-treatment results. Results: Proprioceptive perception at the beginning and at the end of the movement increased in both groups (p<0,05). The Active Movement Scale (AMS) scores increased significantly only in some movements in both groups (p<0,05). AMS scores of shoulder abduction and external rotation in PT group were better than HP group (p<0,05). Conclusions: Home exercise program and proprioceptive exercise training both improve proprioceptive sense and functional status in children with OBPI. The proprioceptive exercise training seems to be more beneficial in improving functional movements of shoulder.