BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: For optimal postural stability and balance, the dorsiflexor muscles are crucial. Children with spastic diplegia who appear stiff are more likely to be unsteady and have trouble walking are suffering. This study was to detect the effectiveness of functional electrical stimulation on equines foot and muscle power in children suffering from diplegia. METHODS: In this study, forty diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) children of both sexes (19 boys and 21 girls) aged from 7 and 12 were recruited. They were randomized into two groups, each consisting of an equal number of participants (A and B). Children in group (A) underwent a specified physical therapy for 90 min, three times per week for 10 weeks, while those in group (B) had the same regimen but also received functional electrical stimulation (FES). The participating children were assessed their four dorsiflexor muscles (Tibialis anterior, Extensor hallucis longus, Extensor digitorum longus, and Peroneus Tertius) in form of assessing dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) by goniometer, dorsiflexors strength and time to peak force by Lafayette hand-held dynamometer of dorsiflexors before and after the 10-week therapy program, which involved three sessions each week of treatment. RESULTS: The obtained results showed clear variances among pre-and post-treatment in the two groups for each of the four dorsiflexor muscles (Tibialis anterior, Extensor hallucis longus, Extensor digitorum longus, as well as Peroneus Tertius) for all measured variables (dorsiflexion (ROM), time to a peak force of dorsiflexion, and dorsiflexion strength). Additionally, post-mean values for all variables that were assessed revealed a statistically significant difference in favor of the group (B). CONCLUSIONS: To reduce equines foot and improve muscle power in children with diplegic CP, the FES can be added to the physical therapy program.

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