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Continuous vs. blocks of physiotherapy for motor development in children with cerebral palsy and similar syndromes: A
Anne-Louise Brunner1, Erich Rutz, Stephanie Juenemann
1Physiotherapie Erik Goossens, Oberwilerstrasse , Binningen , Switzerland .
Insights
Regular physiotherapy sessions appear more beneficial than block treatments for children with cerebral palsy (CP). Continuous therapy showed improvements in specific motor functions, suggesting a more effective approach for managing CP symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Neurology
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder affecting motor function.
- Optimizing physiotherapy interventions is crucial for improving functional outcomes in children with CP.
- The optimal frequency and scheduling of physiotherapy for children with CP remain under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of continuous versus block physiotherapy in children with cerebral palsy.
- To evaluate the impact of different physiotherapy delivery models on motor function.
- To determine the optimal physiotherapy regimen for enhancing outcomes in pediatric CP.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized, cross-over study design was employed.
- Thirty-nine institutionalized children (6-16 years) with CP (GMFCS II-IV) participated.
- The Gross Motor Function Measure 66 (GMFM-66) was used to assess outcomes over one year, with participants alternating between regular and block physiotherapy schedules.
Main Results:
- Overall improvement in GMFM-66 scores was observed in both groups throughout the study.
- Significant improvements were noted in dimension E of the GMFM-66 for both physiotherapy schedules.
- Dimension D of the GMFM-66 showed improvement specifically during the regular therapy period in one group.
Conclusions:
- Continuous physiotherapy may yield better results than block physiotherapy for children with CP.
- Regularly scheduled physiotherapy interventions appear more effective in improving specific motor functions.
- Findings suggest that consistent physiotherapy delivery is key for maximizing functional gains in pediatric CP.
Objective:
To determine whether physiotherapy is more effective when applied in blocks or continuously in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
Methods:
A prospective randomized cross-over design study compared the effect of regular physiotherapy (baseline) with blocks of physiotherapy alternating with no physiotherapy over one year. Thirty-nine institutionalized children with CP and clinically similar syndromes (6-16 years old, Gross Motor Function Classification Scale II-IV) were included. During the first scholastic year, group A received regular physiotherapy, group B blocks of physiotherapy and vice versa in the second year. The Gross Motor Function Measure 66 (GMFM-66) was the outcome measure.
Results:
Thirteen children in each group completed the study. GMFM-66 improved (p < 0.05) over the study period in both groups in total; changes (p < 0.05) were seen only in dimension D (group B) and E (both groups) during regular therapy.
Conclusion:
Physiotherapy may be more effective when provided regularly rather than in blocks.
