Hostname: page-component-7c8c6479df-5xszh Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-03-28T01:11:02.767Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Randomized controlled trial of physiotherapy in 56 children with cerebral palsy followed for 18 months

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 February 2001

E Bower
Affiliation:
University of Southampton Rehabilitation Research Unit, Southhampton, UK.
D Michell
Affiliation:
University of Southampton Rehabilitation Research Unit, Southhampton, UK.
M Burnett
Affiliation:
University of Southampton Rehabilitation Research Unit, Southhampton, UK.
M J Campbell
Affiliation:
Community Sciences Centre, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
D L McLellan
Affiliation:
University of Southampton Rehabilitation Research Unit, Southhampton, UK.
Get access

Abstract

This study aimed to determine whether motor function and performance is better enhanced by intensive physiotherapy or collaborative goal-setting in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Participants were a convenience sample of 56 children with bilateral CP classified at level III or below on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), aged between 3 and 12 years. A 2X2 factorial design was used to compare the effects of routine amounts of physiotherapy with intensive amounts, and to compare the use of generalized aims set by the child's physiotherapist with the use of specific, measurable goals negotiated by the child's physiotherapist with each child, carer, and teacher. Following the six-month treatment period there was a further six-month period of observation. Changes in motor function and performance were assessed by a masked assessor using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and the Gross Motor Performance Measure (GMPM) at three-month intervals. There was no statistically significant difference in the scores achieved between intensive and routine amounts of therapy or between aim-directed and goal-directed therapy in either function or performance. Inclusion of additional covariates of age and severity levels showed a trend towards a statistically significant difference in children receiving intensive therapy during the treatment period. This advantage declined over the subsequent six months during which therapy had reverted to its usual amount. Differences in goal-setting procedures did not produce any detectable effect on the acquisition of gross motor function or performance.

Type
Original Articles
Copyright
© 2001 Mac Keith Press

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)