Abstract: Objective To observe the effect of forearm crutches on motor function of children with spastic cerebral palsy. Methods 60 children with spastic cerebral palsy were divided into observation group (n=30) and control group (n=30). The control group accepted routine rehabilitation, while the observation group were also trained to use forearm crutches. They were assessed with Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88) and Balancer. The way of item 70 of GMFM-88 was used to assess the mobile capability. Results The scores of GMFM-88 significantly improved in both groups after treatment (t>6.002, P<0.001), and improved more in the observation group than in the control group (t=2.317, P<0.05). The whole path length and the circumference area reduced in both groups after treatment (P<0.05), and reduced more in the observation group with the assist of the forearm crutches (P<0.01). The incidence of walking was more in the observation group with the assistant of the forearm crutches (χ2=25.87, P<0.01). Conclusion Forearm crutches assistant can improve the recovery of motor function, balance and walking ability in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

Key words: cerebral palsy, crutches, rehabilitation, motor function, walking, balance