Title:
The Effectiveness of Movement Analysis and Education Strategies (Maes Therapy) in Gross Motor and Balance of Children With Spastic Diplegia.

Authors:
Chandolias Konstantinos, Konstantinidou Elisavet-Adriana, Georgios Tsigaras, Thomas Besios, Alexandra Hristara- Papadopoulou, Greece

Abstract:

Spastic diplegia is the second most common form of cerebral palsy. Various approaches for children with spastic diplegia aim to improve gross motor, speed and balance. The new approach Movement Analysis and Education Strategies (Maes Therapy) was developed by Jean Pierre Maes in 2013 and applies to children of all ages where a neurological problem is inhibiting the normal development. The basic belief in the approach is that persistence in short-term therapeutic effects has a negative impact on the long-term development of children. In the present study, 16 children with cerebral palsy-spastic diplegia, level GMFM I-II, who walked independently, without cognitive limitations, participated. (Age 7 ± 1.41, weighing 24.31 ± 4.24, 117.4 ± 9.42). The children were enrolled in an MAES approach program, with 2 sessions a week, one hour in duration. The duration of the intervention was 3 months. After intervention it was found that the gross motor improved: before 67.2 + 16.8, then after 71.0 + 17.3 t (15) = 5.216, p <0.005. On the other hand, there was no statistically significant difference in the results of the footplate for the right foot: 53.9 + 9.0 before 52.7 + 6.1.1 (14) = 1.387, p = 0.187. Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference in left foot scores: 46.0 + 9.0 before 47.3 + 6.1.1 (14) = 1.387, p = 0.187. Further research is recommended to assess the effectiveness of the method over time.