Abstract: Objective To study the effects of core control training on gross motor function of children with spastic cerebral palsy. Methods 60 children with spastic cerebral palsy were divided into control group (n=30) and treatment group (n=30). The control group accepted routine comprehensive rehabilitation therapy including physical therapy, acupuncture, electrotherapy, etc., while the treatment group accepted the core control training in addition. They were assessed with the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) and the Trunk Control Test (TCT) before and 3 months after rehabilitation. Results Both groups improved in the scores of GMFM-88 and TCT after treatment (P<0.001), and improved more in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.001). Conclusion The core control training can strengthen the trunk control and further improve the gross motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

Key words: cerebral palsy, spastic, core control training, gross motor function, trunk control