Effect of Motor Intervention for Infants and Toddlers With Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of motor intervention on motor function of infants and toddlers with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: Four databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of motor interventions for children with or at high risk of CP younger than 36 months. Studies were excluded if less than 50% of children developed CP. Results: Eleven RCTs included 363 children; 85% diagnosed with CP. Very low-quality evidence supports that: (1) task-specific motor training was more effective than standard care for improving motor function (small effect), (2) constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) may be more effective than bimanual play or massage for improving function of the more affected hand (moderate effect), and high-intensity treadmill training is no more effective than low-intensity for improving walking. Conclusions: Very low-quality evidence supports that task-specific motor training and CIMT may improve motor function of infants and toddlers with CP.

Effects of traditional Chinese medicine combined with modern rehabilitation therapies on motor function in children with cerebral palsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The possible explanation might be that fine motor improvement requires targeted training. Evidence supported that task-oriented motor training based on the requirements of daily routines may be effective in the improvement of fine motor development (Baker et al, 2022). With regard to unilateral hand function, constraint-induced movement therapy may be effective in children who were diagnosed with unilateral CP (Tinderholt Myrhaug et al, 2014) Seventeen studies declared that none of the participants withdrew from the studies and no severe adverse event was reported in any of the enrolled studies, indicating that TCM treatments are safe in the clinical setting for children with CP.…”

“…The possible explanation might be that fine motor improvement requires targeted training. Evidence supported that task-oriented motor training based on the requirements of daily routines may be effective in the improvement of fine motor development ( Baker et al, 2022 ). With regard to unilateral hand function, constraint-induced movement therapy may be effective in children who were diagnosed with unilateral CP ( Tinderholt Myrhaug et al, 2014 ).…”

Changes Induced by Early Hand-Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy Including Lower Extremities in Young Children With Unilateral Cerebral Palsy

“…Providing interventions to children with CP during this window of opportunity could potentially maximize functional changes, positively impact the whole developmental curve, and minimize subsequent complications. 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 However, few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of intensive rehabilitation in young children. 9 , 15 , 17 …”

“…Providing interventions to children with CP during this window of opportunity could potentially maximize functional changes, positively impact the whole developmental curve, and minimize subsequent complications. [14][15][16][17] However, few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of intensive rehabilitation in young children. 9,15,17 Most intensive interventions investigated in young children with unilateral CP (UCP) involved constraint-induced movement therapy or bimanual training that only target the upper extremities, despite the frequent impairment of gross motor function, including the lower extremities and trunk.…”

Effectiveness of Mechanical Horse-Riding Simulator-Based Interventions in Patients with Cerebral Palsy—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Physiotherapy encompasses a wide variety of techniques to reduce the disability of these patients. These include neurodevelopmental therapies, such as Bobath [ 20 ]; conventional therapy based on mobilizations, stretching, functional therapeutic exercise and strength [ 21 ]; treadmill training and restraint-induced movement therapy [ 22 ]; or electrotherapy [ 23 ]. All of these therapies have been shown to be effective in improving gross motor function, balance, gait and functional capability in children with CP.…”