Action Observation Therapy in Hemiparetic CP: Impact on Balance & Lower Limb Function

"The AOT video comprised four specific tasks designed to improve lower extremity function, balance, and gait (Figure 1):~1. Sitting Balance: Movements to enhance balance while seated (Figure 2).~2. Sit-to-Stand Transition: Exercises to facilitate the transition from sitting to standing.~3. Walking and Balance: Gait and balance training on a parallel bar or flat surface.~4. Single-Leg Balance: Activities focused on improving balance on one leg. For each task, children observed the movement for 1 minute, then practiced the action for 5 minutes. A 1-minute rest period was allowed between tasks, with a total AOT session lasting 30 minutes. All sessions were conducted by the same physiotherapist."

Conventional physiotherapy is a widely used therapeutic approach that focuses on improving physical function, mobility, and overall quality of life through evidence-based techniques. It typically includes exercises for strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination, along with manual therapy, postural training, and education about movement and body mechanics. This traditional method is commonly applied in the rehabilitation of patients with neurological, orthopedic, and musculoskeletal conditions. In pediatric populations, such as children with cerebral palsy, conventional physiotherapy plays a vital role in promoting motor development, enhancing functional independence, and preventing secondary complications.