What is diplegia?

Diplegia is a term used to describe a pattern of movement difficulty affecting two limbs. In the context of cerebral palsy, it often refers to spastic diplegia, where muscle stiffness and movement difficulties mainly affect the lower limbs, while the arms may be less affected or relatively unaffected.

People with diplegia may experience:

• muscle stiffness or increased tone in the legs

• difficulty with walking or running

• balance and coordination challenges

• reduced endurance

• tightness in the hips, knees or ankles

• changes in gait pattern

• difficulty with transfers or stairs

• reduced confidence with movement

The impact can vary significantly from person to person.

How diplegia may affect daily function

Diplegia may affect:

• walking and mobility

• balance and falls risk

• posture and movement control

• stair climbing and transfers

• gross motor skills

• physical play and participation

• fatigue and endurance

• independence at home, school or in the community

Some people may have relatively mild physical limitations, while others may need more regular support with mobility, daily function and participation.

 Spastic diplegia is commonly associated with tight hip and leg muscles, and the CDC notes this can lead to walking difficulties, including legs pulling together, turning inward, or crossing at the knees.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health may help

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy may support children and adults with diplegia where there are goals related to walking, balance, posture, strength, gross motor function, transfers, endurance or physical participation. Depending on the person’s needs, physiotherapy may include:

• walking and gait support

• balance and coordination practice

• gross motor and functional movement training

• stretching and movement programs

• transfer practice

• strengthening and activity-based support

• physical endurance and participation goals

• mobility aid input where clinically appropriate
  
  

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy may help when diplegia is affecting daily living, routines, self-care, school participation, fatigue management, equipment needs or independence. OT may include:

• self-care and routine support

• task adaptation strategies

• home or school participation support

• equipment or assistive technology recommendations

• environmental adjustments to support function

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology is not automatically needed for everyone with diplegia, but it may be relevant where a person has associated communication, speech, feeding or swallowing concerns, particularly if diplegia is part of a broader neurological presentation.

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology may be appropriate for some children, adolescents or adults with diplegia who need support with strength, endurance, conditioning, physical activity participation or structured exercise. Programs should be tailored carefully to the person’s goals, movement pattern and physical capacity.

Our approach

At Palms, we take a function-focused, goal-directed approach. That means we look at how diplegia is affecting the person in everyday life and what practical support may help. Therapy may focus on:

improving walking and mobility

supporting balance and movement confidence

building strength and endurance

improving transfers and stair use

supporting participation in play, school, work or community activities

helping carers support movement and routines at home

We also recognise that support often works best when it is coordinated with the person’s family, carers, school team, medical professionals and broader support network where appropriate.

FAQ

What is diplegia?

Diplegia is a term used to describe a pattern where two limbs are affected. In cerebral palsy, it often refers to spastic diplegia, where the legs are more affected than the arms.

What is spastic diplegia?

Spastic diplegia is a type or movement pattern of cerebral palsy where muscle stiffness mainly affects the legs. The CDC notes that the arms may be less affected or not affected at all.

Can physiotherapy help with diplegia?

Physiotherapy may help support walking, balance, gross motor function, strength, transfers and physical participation for people living with diplegia. Support should be tailored to the person’s needs and goals.

Can occupational therapy help with diplegia?

Yes. Occupational therapy may assist with self-care, school or home routines, fatigue management, independence, equipment and participation in everyday activities.

Does everyone with diplegia need speech pathology?

Not always. Speech pathology may only be relevant if the person has associated communication, speech, feeding or swallowing concerns.

Can adults with diplegia access allied health support?

Yes. Adults with diplegia may benefit from physiotherapy and allied health support related to mobility, endurance, balance, independence and participation.

Can diplegia affect walking?

Yes. Diplegia commonly affects walking, balance and lower limb movement. In spastic diplegia, tightness in the hip and leg muscles can make walking more difficult.

When should someone with diplegia see allied health?

Allied health may be worth considering when diplegia is affecting mobility, balance, daily living, physical participation, school access, endurance or independence.

If you or your family member is living with diplegia and would like support with mobility, balance, strength, daily function or participation, our team can discuss whether physiotherapy or allied health input may be appropriate for your needs.

Helpful Australian Resources for Diplegia

Cerebral Palsy Alliance - Diplegia Resources
https://www.cerebralpalsy.org.au

Brain Injury Australia - Cerebral Palsy and Diplegia
https://braininjuryaustralia.org.au

Spinal Cord Injuries Australia - Mobility and Function Resources
https://www.scia.org.au

Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne - Cerebral Palsy and Diplegia
https://www.rch.org.au

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.