Background:
The diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy (CP) is often very complicated with earlier diagnoses becoming possible. Primitive Reflexes are automatic, stereotyped movements, directed from the brain stem and executed without cortical involvement. CP can cause primitive reflexes to persist and interfere with the development of normal motor skills.
Case Description:
The patient is a 7-year-old girl who was diagnosed with Dystonic CP at 6 months of age.
Intervention:
An intensive physical therapy bout of 4 days a week for 4 weeks, 3 sessions/week in the clinic for 2 hours each and 1 session/week in the pool for aquatic therapy for 30 minutes for reflex integration and motor function improvement.
Outcome Measures:
The Gross Motor Function Measurement (GMFM) was performed pre and post intervention, along with observation of gait patterns.
Discussion:
This report supports the use of intensive physical therapy which other studies have shown, and the use of reflex integration that requires further research for children with CP.
