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The Outcomes of an Individualized Physical Therapy Program in CALFAN Syndrome: A Case Report
Sedat Yigit1, Hatice Mutlu Albayrak, Peren Perk Yücel
1Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation (Drs Yigit, Usgu, and Yakut), Faculty of Health Sciences, Hasan Kalyoncu University, Gaziantep, Turkey; Department of Pediatric Genetics (Dr Mutlu Albayrak), Ankara Bilkent City Hospital-Children's Hospital, Ankara, Turkey; Department of Pediatric Neurology (Dr Perk Yücel), Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey.
Purpose:
This case report investigated the effectiveness of an individualized physical therapy program in CALFAN syndrome.
Case Description:
A 13-year-old girl participated in physical therapy, which included trunk stabilization, balance training, and functional exercises for 12 weeks.
Assessments:
The International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale; Trunk Impairment Scale; Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory; Functional Independence Measure for Children; Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire; 9-Hole Peg Test; and Cobb measurement were used as outcome measures.
Results:
Positive changes were observed in the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale; Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire; Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory; Trunk Impairment Scale; Functional Independence Measure; and the 9-Hole Peg Test. The Cobb angle was increased by 2° in the thoracic region and reduced by 11° in the lumbar region.
Conclusions:
Physical therapy improved quality of life, functional independence, trunk control, and upper extremity performance.
What This Adds To Evidence:
This case report is the first to support the effectiveness of physical therapy for a child with CALFAN syndrome.
