Cerebral palsy interventions

Question 1

NDT

Answer 1

. NDT helps the child develop more typical movement patterns.

2. The goal of NDT is to normalize tone and improve movement control during activity.
3. Treatment includes positioning, therapeutic handling, and play.

Question 2

Constraint-induced therapy, also known as forced-use therapy

Answer 2

The uninvolved side is constrained to force the use of the involved side.
2. Used with children who have hemiplegic CP.

Question 3

Physical exercise (such as dancing, swimming, playing more physical games)

Answer 3

Strengthens muscles and bones

2. Improves motor skills
3. Helps to prevent the development of contractures

Question 4

Orthotic devices

Answer 4

Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) stabilizes the foot and allows for stretching of the Achilles tendon.
2. Resting hand splint holds the thumb in abduction and the wrist in neutral or slightly extended to prevent deformity.

Question 5

Positioning and seating devices

Answer 5

1. Seating systems designed for the child to prevent contractures and joint deformities as a result of spasticity (ex. static chair with lateral supposrt and pomell to prevent hip abduction)
2. Adaptations to regular seating to position the child for functional activities.

Question 6

Serial casting

5.

Answer 6

1. Used to reduce or inhibit tone
2. Used for both upper and lower extremities
3. Position spastic muscles so they are lengthened and stretched gently
4. Slowly increases range of motion if a contracture already present
5. Static casts can be used to immobilize for stability during weight-bearing activity

Question 7

Adaptive equipment

Answer 7

Forearm crutches (Lofstrand)

2. Walkers, posterior walkers
3. Wheelchairs
4. Wheelchair adaptations
   - solid seat and back
   - trunk supports
   - tray
   - tilt seat with 10-15 degrees of tilt
   - seat cushions
   - molded inserts
   - power controls
5. Supportive strollers
6. Car seat/car bed

Question 8

Assistive technology

Answer 8

Computers
2. Augmentative communication devices
3. Artificial vision – visual prosthesis
4. iPad with adaptive apps
5. Wii games
6  uses joystick

Question 9

Serpentine hand splint?

Answer 9

It is used when the thumb is in
palmar abduction and it allows
the thumb to move within
abduction needed for
opposition. Helps with muscle
weakness for children with CP
and it is important to use it
during functional activities