Outcomes of physical therapy in children with cerebral palsy: a pilot study


Kisioglu S., Kalan P., Cetin G., Akcay B., MUTLU A.

TURKISH JOURNAL OF PHYSIOTHERAPY REHABILITATION-FIZYOTERAPI REHABILITASYON, cilt.18, sa.1, ss.42-46, 2007 (ESCI) identifier identifier

Özet

Purpose: The aim of this pilot study was to present outcomes of physical therapy in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) from a perspective of special rehabilitation center. Material and methods: The study was a prospective study conducted at Cagin Rehabilitation Center, including 17 children with CP, treated in the center. Mean age of participants was 5+/-3.43 (max: 16-min: 4) years. Participants were being treated with the Bobath Neurodevelopmental Treatment for one period of a year. Gross motor function of children was assessed with Gross Motor Function Measurement (GMFM), functional independence with Functional Independence Measure (WeeFim) and level of disability with Gross Motor Function of Classification System (GMFCS), before and after one year of physiotherapy. Results: GMFM and WeeFIM scores were statistically significant when pre and post treatment results were compared (p<0.01). Correlation between GMFM and WeeFIM was significant before and after treatment (p<0.01). Conclusion: As a conclusion; regular physiotherapy programs improve gross motor function and functional independence in children with CP. In addition, we think that pediatric physical therapists should follow literature, advances in assessment and treatment of children with CP.