CP intervention class Flashcards
neurological interventions:
- oral baclofen
- intrathecal baclofen pump
- botox injections
- selective dorsal rhizotomy
orthopedic intervention:
single event multi-level surgery (SEMLS)
SEMLS: soft tissue procedures
tendon release/lengthening
distal rectus femoris transfer
SEMLS: bone procedures
femoral extension osteotomy
varus derotation osteotomy (VDRO) and acetabular osteotomy
hemi-epiphysiodesis
Novak 2020 – Evidence Alert Traffic Light System
framework for grading the strength of evidence for different interventions, particularly in the field of cerebral palsy (CP)
system uses a traffic light analogy to communicate the quality and effectiveness of interventions, with colors indicating the level of recommendation based on available evidence
Red light:
Don’t do it interventions- not recommended beyond traditional care, may not have enough evidence
Strong evidence suggests that the intervention is ineffective or even harmful
Yellow light:
Probably do it and probably don’t do it interventions (distinguished by the ‘worth it line’- fewer and lower quality articles
There is mixed or emerging evidence for the intervention, indicating it may be promising but requires further research to confirm its efficacy
Practitioners should proceed with caution and monitor outcomes closely
Green light:
Effective interventions- more high-quality articles
Strong evidence supports the intervention as beneficial
These are recommended interventions because high-quality studies, such as systematic reviews or randomized controlled trials
Green light motor interventions:
bimanual = hand function
CIMT = hand function, activity & participation
Hippo therapy = balance symmetry
Partial Body Weight Support Treadmill Training = walking speed
Goal directed training = hand function, gross motor
strength training = muscle strength
mobility training = walking speed
task specific training = gross motor
treadmill training = walking speed, walking endurance, gross motor
Bimanual Training (Hand Function):
Focuses on improving the coordination and use of both hands together
Significant improvements in dexterity, grip strength, and goal achievement
Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) (Hand Function, Activity, & Participation):
Involves restraining the less-affected hand to encourage use of the more-affected hand, promoting hand function and real-life task performance
Increased use of the affected limb, better outcomes in fine motor tasks, and greater engagement in bimanual activities
Hippotherapy (Balance and Symmetry):
using the movement of a horse to improve postural control, balance, and symmetry in patients with motor impairments
Positive changes in trunk control, pelvic stability, and overall symmetry in walking and sitting
It can also have a positive emotional and motivational effect
Partial Body Weight Support Treadmill Training (Walking Speed):
Involves using a treadmill with partial body weight support to enhance walking ability
Improvements in gait speed, step length, and walking endurance
Goal-Directed Training (Hand Function, Gross Motor Skills):
Tailored interventions focusing on specific goals important to the individual’s daily activities, involving practice in meaningful contexts
Improved outcomes in goal-specific tasks, including fine motor tasks (e.g., grasping) and gross motor tasks (e.g., sitting or walking)
Strength Training (Muscle Strength):
Focuses on increasing muscle strength through repetitive, resisted exercises
Gains in muscle power, endurance, and functional skills such as standing, walking, and transferring
Mobility Training (Walking Speed):
Involves focused practice on walking skills, often using walking aids or support to improve speed and quality of gait
Improved speed, cadence, and walking efficiency
Task-Specific Training (Gross Motor Skills):
Repetitive practice of functional tasks to improve gross motor skills, focusing on specific movements relevant to daily activities
Gains in posture, balance, and gait mechanics
Task-specific training increases muscle coordination and task execution by reinforcing neural pathways responsible for the movement
Treadmill Training (Walking Speed, Walking Endurance, Gross Motor Skills):
Using a treadmill to promote gait re-training and improve overall walking capacity
Enhances cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and walking distance
Green light contracture & alignment interventions:
lower limb casting = passive range
BoNT + casting = passive range
Lower Limb Casting (Passive Range of Motion):
Serial casting or static positioning of the lower limbs to improve or maintain passive range of motion (PROM) by lengthening shortened muscles and soft tissues
Significant improvement in passive dorsiflexion of the ankle
Often used to manage spasticity-related contractures, casting has been shown to temporarily improve alignment and gait patterns
ollow-up interventions like bracing, stretching exercises, or functional activity training
Botulinum Toxin (BoNT) + Casting (Passive Range of Motion):
Combines the effects of Botulinum Toxin (BoNT) injections, which reduce muscle spasticity, with serial casting to improve passive range of motion by further relaxing overactive muscles and lengthening them through casting
Enhanced PROM in targeted muscles (e.g., gastrocnemius for ankle dorsiflexion)
benefits in both joint alignment and muscle flexibilit
Green light self care/ function interventions:
goal directed training = self care
home program = self care
Goal-Directed Training (Self-Care):
Focuses on practicing and improving skills related to specific personal goals, particularly those essential for daily living and self-care, such as dressing, grooming, or feeding
Improved self-care abilities, such as dressing, bathing, and personal hygiene, through repeated practice of specific tasks
better task performance and independence
improving overall quality of life
facilitates motor learning by focusing on real-life, functional tasks
Home Programs (Self-Care):
Structured home-based exercise or activity programs designed to help individuals practice self-care tasks in their natural environment, promoting continuous progress outside of clinical settings
improvements in self-care task performance due to regular practice at home, where children and adults with CP can work on skills like feeding, dressing, or toileting with guidance
Helps maintain progress made in clinical settings and provides opportunities for more frequent repetitions of self-care tasks
better functional outcomes, greater independence, and more participation in daily routine
Green Light PT Interventions
Real-life tasks and activities (routine-based)
Self-generated active movements at high intensity
Motivation is essential – Goal is set by child
Successful, task-specific practice that is rewarding and enjoyable
Real-Life Tasks and Activities (Routine-Based Interventions):
focus is on using activities that are part of the individual’s daily routine or are meaningful to their everyday life
walking, dressing, or playing, are integrated into therapy sessions to promote functional skill development
Improvements in functional mobility and self-care skills
Increased independence in daily tasks and greater participation in social activities
Self-Generated Active Movements at High Intensity:
Encourages individuals to generate their own movements actively, focusing on high-intensity, repetitive practice to improve motor control and strength
based on neuroplasticity principles, where high-intensity, task-specific movements lead to better motor outcomes
Enhanced motor control, muscle strength, and endurance
Better outcomes in gross motor skills such as walking, running, or grasping objects
improve motor planning and problem-solving
Motivation is Essential – Goal is Set by the Child:
Therapy is more effective when the child is motivated by goals that they set themselves
Greater adherence to therapy and more enthusiastic participation
Higher levels of goal achievement and better functional outcomes
Children are more likely to practice independently and remain committed to therapy when the goal is personally meaningful
Successful, Task-Specific Practice that is Rewarding and Enjoyable:
meaningful tasks that the child finds enjoyable and rewarding
increases motivation, facilitates motor learning, and promotes mastery of specific skills
Significant improvements in motor function, such as balance, strength, and coordination
faster skill acquisition and better retention
boosts self-confidence and encourages continued effort and practice