Abstract
Intensive therapy models for children with chronic disabilities are gaining popularity in clinical practice. This paper outlines an intensive, interdisciplinary group intervention protocol targeting functional mobility and occupational performance of three teenage participants diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) (GMFCS levels 1-3). Participants demonstrated gains in function as measured by the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM), Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Timed Up and Down Stairs (TUDS), and grip strength. These gains indicate that intensive group-based interdisciplinary therapy programs may improve the mobility and occupational performance of ambulatory teens with CP. A significant limitation of this study is that these are preliminary results with a small sample group. Future research should identify the most sensitive tools to capture observed functional changes, and report results with a larger and more diverse group of patients. Additionally, long term outcomes following these programs could clarify their potential to impact the developmental trajectory of youth with CP.
Recommended Citation
Reidy, T., Andrejow, N., Naber, E., & Carney, J. (2024). Focused Interdisciplinary Therapy: Making a Case for Group Based Intensive Therapy in Pediatric Neurorehabilitation. Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration, 4(2). Retrieved from https://repository.ulm.edu/ojihp/vol4/iss2/7
Title Page
