Measuring motor goals in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Four children aged two to three years with four limb cerebral palsy and apparently 'normal' intellect received randomized periods of conventional amounts of physiotherapy and a period of intensive physiotherapy directed at goals with both functional and pattern motor skill objectives. Using a single case experimental design, functional motor change was found to be continuous throughout the study period in all four children. Changes in the pattern of movement were difficult to detect or grade objectively and none of these goals was achieved, in contrast to the functional goals of which 58% were achieved. Intensive physiotherapy directed at goals that could not be achieved was associated with an increase in unco-operative behaviour in some children.