Effectiveness of a Telecare Physical Therapy Program in Improving Functionality in Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: A Cases Study

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability in childhood and results in motor impairment that is often associated with other disorders. The aim of this study was to assess whether a telecare intervention consisting of Action Observation Therapy with a family-center approach produces i...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Rodríguez Costa, Isabel, Abuín Porras, Vanesa, Terán García, Paula, Férez Sopeña, Andrea, Calvo Fuente, Victoria, Soto Vidal, Concepción, Pacheco da Costa, Soraya
Format: article
Publication Date:2023
Country:España
Institution:Universidad Europea (UEM)
Repository:ABACUS. Repositorio de Producción Científica
Language:English
OAI Identifier:oai:abacus.universidadeuropea.com:11268/16538
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/11268/16538
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:Parálisis cerebral
Fisiología humana
Rehabilitación médica
Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries
Description
Summary:Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability in childhood and results in motor impairment that is often associated with other disorders. The aim of this study was to assess whether a telecare intervention consisting of Action Observation Therapy with a family-center approach produces improvements in functionality in children and adolescents with CP. Seven girls with CP ages between 6 and 17 participated in this case series study that lasted 12 weeks: 6 weeks of telecare program with a total of six sessions; and a follow-up period of 6 weeks. The outcome variables were Gross Motor Function (Spanish version of the Gross Motor Function Measure), balance (Spanish version of the Pediatric Balance Scale), walking endurance (6-min walk test) and walking speed (10-m walk test). The variables were measured before starting the study, after 6 weeks of intervention and after the 6-week follow-up period. Results showed statistically significant improvements in gross motor function (p = 0.02) after the intervention. After the follow-up period, gross motor function remained statistically significant (p = 0.02), as well as balance (p = 0.04) and walking endurance (p = 0.02). These results show that a telecare program has been beneficial in improving functionality with enhancements in gross motor function, balance and endurance in children and adolescents with CP that will facilitate participation.