As featured in Cerebral Palsy Alliance
Abstract
PURPOSE: To describe a daily physical therapy (PT) intervention program and outcomes for 2 toddlers with spastic quadriplegia, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level V, and to evaluate the feasibility of using a daily program in an urban children’s hospital outpatient setting.
SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS: Two toddlers, GMFCS level V, received 2 hours of PT intervention based on motor learning principles 5 days a week for 4 consecutive weeks. Gross Motor Functional Measure (GMFM-66, GMFM-88) and the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Third Edition, were used as pre- and postoutcome measures. The daily, high intensity intervention was well tolerated. Improvements in motor function, language, and cognitive skills were found.
STATEMENT OF CONCLUSION: A daily PT program appears feasible and may improve overall development in toddlers with cerebral palsy in GMFCS level V.
Author information
1Division of Physical Therapy (Dr Heathcock), The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; Center for Perinatal Research (Dr Heathcock) and Department of Clinical Therapies (Drs Baranet, Ferrante, and Hendershot), Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.
