Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effects of the Universal Exercise Unit (UEU) versus Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) on genu recurvatum in children with diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). METHOD: Thirty children (8 males, 22 females) aged 4-8 years with diplegic CP and genu recurvatum were randomly assigned to two groups (n=15 each). Study group I received UEU therapy and an exercise program for three weeks for 12 weeks. Study group II received FES applied to the hamstring and tibialis anterior muscles during walking, with the same exercise program and frequency. Genu recurvatum and muscle strength were assessed pre- and post-treatment using a digital goniometer and Lafayette muscle tester. RESULTS: Both groups improved significantly in all variables post-treatment, with Study Group I (UEU) showing greater improvements in reducing genu recurvatum and increasing muscle strength (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: UEU and FES were effective in treating genu recurvatum in children with diplegic CP, but UEU provided superior results. CLINICALTRIALS: gov ID: NCT06332729.