Conventional physical therapy and physical therapy based on reflex stimulation showed similar results in children with myelomeningocele

Abstract

We aimed to investigate whether infants with myelomeningocele would improve their motor ability and functional independence after ten sessions of physical therapy and compare the outcomes of conventional physical therapy (CPT) to a physical therapy program based on reflex stimulation (RPT). Twelve children were allocated to CPT (n = 6, age 18.3 months) or RPT (n = 6, age 18.2 months). The RPT involved proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. Children were assessed with the Gross Motor Function Measure and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory before and after treatment. Mann-Whitney tests compared the improvement on the two scales of CPT versus RPT and the Wilcoxon test compared CPT to RPT (before vs. after treatment). Possible correlations between the two scales were tested with Spearman correlation coefficients. Both groups showed improvement on self-care and mobility domains of both scales. There were no differences between the groups, before, or after intervention. The CPT and RPT showed similar results after ten weeks of treatment.

A Vacuum-Powered Artificial Muscle Designed for Infant Rehabilitation

“…Physical therapy consists of gentle passive exercises on the infant’s main joints and includes stretches to improve the range of motion of the joint and muscle strength [ 14 ]. The application of such a device can be extended to infants with motor developmental delays and other motor disabilities such as cerebral palsy (CP).…”

Independência funcional de crianças de um a quatro anos com mielomeningocele

“…It is essential to use not only compensatory strategies but also stimulate motor gains, including the control below the level of injury, even in children with complete injuries. 22 Functional independence should be always optimized so there is better quality of life. 23 …”

The Effect of Vestibular Stimulation Exercises on Balance, Coordination, and Agility in Children with Down Syndrome

“…Vestibular stimulations has been successfully used to improve physical functioning of children with myelomeningocele [25], Williams syndrome [26], and cerebral palsy [27]. The possibility of vestibular stimulation therapy improving motor functioning of children with DS should be explored further in studies with larger numbers of participants with longer intervention times.…”