Intensive physiotherapy in a group setting for children with severe cerebral palsy (CP)

Introduction: In clinical practice, parents and physiotherapists have experienced positive effects of intensive physiotherapy in a group setting for children with severe cerebral palsy (CP). However, little is yet reported about this topic. Design: Prospective case series. Main section: This study aimed at: 1) Systematically measure changes in motor functioning, passive range of movement, and if individualized training goals were achieved in children with severe CP, who attended three periods of intensive physiotherapy in a group setting during nine months and 2) Explore experiences from parents and other escorts regarding this type of physiotherapy service. Six children with CP in preschool age, GMFCS V, participated. Gross motor function (GMFM-88), passive range of movement (PROM) and achievement of individualized goals were measured before and after the training periods. Activities performed by the children in kindergarten were video-recorded, and fifteen escorts were interviewed about their experiences with the group training. The outcome measures documented a positive trend after each training period, while the childrens motor functions deteriorated or remained stable between the periods of intensive training. The escorts experienced the periods of group training mainly positive. Conclusion: Based on these results the purpose of future periods of intensivetraining in a group setting for children with severe CP, will be maintenance of function, prevention of contractures, and supervision of the escorts