A 6-Week Modified Physical Therapy Intensive Program for a Child With Cerebral Palsy

Area of Science:

• Pediatric physical therapy
• Neurological rehabilitation
• Child development

Background:

• Cerebral palsy (CP) significantly impacts gross motor function in children.
• Intensive therapy programs are emerging as a potential intervention strategy.
• Evidence for specific program components in severe CP requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of a 6-week modified intensive program for a 4-year-old boy with CP, Gross Motor Function Classification System Level IV.
• To evaluate improvements in gross motor skills, functional mobility, and bimanual hand use.
• To contribute to the evidence base for intensive physical therapy models in pediatric CP.

Main Methods:

• A 6-week modified intensive program incorporating developmental gross motor skills practice.
• Training in adaptive equipment for standing and gait.
• Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) and whole body vibration (WBV).

Main Results:

• The child demonstrated significant improvements in 4 out of 5 assessed outcomes.
• Improvements were noted in timed sitting balance and modified 5 Times Sit-to-Stand Test and 9-Hole Peg Test.
• Enhanced ability to assist with transfers, achieve independent sitting, and utilize both hands for play and self-help skills.

Conclusions:

• The modified intensive program yielded positive functional gains for a child with severe CP.
• This case report supports the utility of intensive physical therapy program models for children with CP.
• Further research is recommended to explore the efficacy of intensive programs in this population.