The University of North Georgia Physical Therapy Department develops doctors of physical therapy, who
through innovation and integration of research, education, service and clinical care, optimize movement and
function across the life span in diverse populations.
In 2020, an investigational study was conducted by UNG assessing how an AC360 trunk control training program
positively impacts the functional abilities of children diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. The goal of the study was to
improve the activities of daily living (eating, breathing, moving, functioning) in this pediatric population.
The results of the study showed marked improvements in the standardized Functional Reach Test.
Improvements were also seen in Gross Motor Function measurements. This included improvements in standing,
sitting, lying, crawling, kneeling and rolling over. Photographic images were also performed in the study
documenting improvements in overall posture. EMG studies were also carried out showing muscular recruitment
of core muscles following AC360 therapy. The study is set for publication in the Official Research Journal of the
American Society of Exercise Physiologists in May, 2021.
According to the CDC, there are 764,000 people suffering from Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral Palsy is the number one
cause of childhood disability and roughly 10,000 children are born with this disease on a yearly basis. It is
estimated that the cost of lifetime care in individuals affected with Cerebral Palsy exceeds $1 million per
individual.
In 2024, an investigational study was conducted by UNG Physical Therapy department assessing AC360 use and
its ability at improving strength and function in adults with scoliosis. The investigational study revealed
improvements across the the board in both strength and function. Reductions in spinal angle curvature were also
noted.
