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Published on: November 3, 2016
Accepted and controversial neuromotor therapies for infants at high risk for cerebral palsy
S R Harris1, S W Atwater, T K Crowe
1Physical Therapy Program, School of Allied Health Professions, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706.
Insights
Neuromotor therapies aid infants at high risk for cerebral palsy and central nervous system (CNS) disorders. This review examines five common therapies, their efficacy, and future research directions for early intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Neuromotor therapies are frequently prescribed for high-risk infants, including those with cerebral palsy or other central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
- These therapies are integral to early intervention, leveraging the principle of early CNS plasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review five common neuromotor therapies used globally (US, Europe, Far East).
- To present research on the efficacy of these therapies.
- To discuss therapeutic similarities, differences, controversies, and suggest future research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of efficacy studies on five selected neuromotor therapies.
- Comparative analysis of therapeutic approaches, including their underlying principles and clinical applications.
- Synthesis of existing research findings and identification of controversies.
Main Results:
- Overview of five distinct neuromotor therapy approaches.
- Summary of research findings regarding the efficacy of these interventions.
- Identification of commonalities, divergences, and ongoing debates surrounding specific therapies.
Conclusions:
- Neuromotor therapies play a crucial role in early intervention for infants at risk of CNS disorders.
- Evidence on efficacy varies, highlighting the need for continued research.
- Further investigation is recommended to refine and validate these interventions for optimal infant outcomes.
Abstract:
Neuromotor therapies are prescribed frequently for infants at high risk for cerebral palsy or other central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Based on the concept of early CNS plasticity, neuromotor therapies are important components of early intervention programs. The purposes of this review article are (1) to describe five neuromotor therapies commonly used in the United States, Europe, and the Far East; (2) to briefly present research results of efficacy studies using these various therapies; (3) to discuss similarities and differences among the various approaches; (4) to highlight controversies surrounding some of these approaches; and (5) to present suggestions for future research on examining efficacy of early neuromotor therapy.
