Evidence-Based Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Practices in Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Although a child with cerebral palsy (CP) has developmental problems, it is known that the main problems are related to mobility. The aim of physiotherapy and rehabilitation intervention is to prevent or minimize motor, cognitive, sensory impairments in infants with developmental disadvantage due to biological or environmental risk factors. Starting from infancy until adolescence, the goal is always to enable individuals with CP to be independent in daily life to the extent permitted by their functional capacity. The main goal in the treatment of mobile children is activities such as walking, standing and postural control. In order to achieve these goals, secondary disorders should be prevented and the musculoskeletal system should be in good condition. In more severely affected children, it is important to ensure postural control, prevent deformities and maximize independence in daily life. Another point to be considered in the treatment is that problems such as spasticity, range of motion, selective control affect the mobility, social function and self-care activities of the child. Many such parameters should be thoroughly evaluated and an appropriate treatment plan should be developed. Treatment should not focus on a single function. Collaboration with the family should be ensured. Environmental enrichment parameters should be prioritized. Elimination of environmental barriers also plays an important role in treatment. All family members should take an active role in the treatment and be involved in the goal-setting process. In this section, the recent physiotherapy and rehabilitation applications in the literature used in individuals with CP from the early period will be summarized.