Cerebral Palsy Interventions, Research Paper Example

Taub, E, Ramsey, S.L., DeLuca, S, Echols, K. (2004). Efficacy of constraint-induced movement therapy for children with cerebral palsy with asymmetric motor impairment. Link Available at: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/113/2/305

This study, a randomized, clinical trial of 18 children with cerebral palsy, looked at the efficacy of the pediatric CI therapy versus the conventional treatment (standard treatment). The students receiving pediatric CI therapy had substantial results compared to the controls: They acquired significantly  more new classes of motoric skills (9.3 vs 2.2); demonstrated significant gains in the mean amount (2.1 vs 0.1) and quality (1.7 vs 0.3) of more-affected arm use at home; and in a laboratory motor function test displayed substantial improvement including increases in unprompted use of the more-affected upper extremity (52.1% vs 2.1% of items) (Taub, Ramey, Deluca et al., 2004).

I believe this study’s findings are relevant to my practice for two reasons. First, I believe the study’s results are generalizable to the main population: the main effect for many of the improvements in the children (including motor skills and gains in the mean amount and quality) are highly significant.  Second, there are not many alternatives to this type of therapy; thus, I think it provides

Description of self-care training in occupational therapy: case studies of . Kenyan children with cerebral palsy. Occup Ther Int2001; 8: 34–48. Link is available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oti.130/pdf

This intervention for students with cerebral palsy in Kenya focused on the efficacy of occupational therapy in building every day skills for the children. The training of skills included helping children learn to dress, eating properly, bathing, and use of the toilet.

There is currently a large debate in occupational therapy circles over the efficacy of teaching individuals skills versus the direct targeting of muscles through occupational therapy exercises. The correct answer is probably a mixture of both; however, that mixture might differ based on the individual and his/her level of cerebral palsy.  This article’s conclusion.  Indeed, the article found that children could be taught basic dressing skills through basic exercises performed daily.  This conclusion can be used to help individuals with cerebral palsy who need development of basic skills.

Flegle JH, Leibowitz JM. Improvement in grasp skill in children with hemiplegia with the MacKinnon splint. Link available here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3406470

This article focused on an intervention known as the “Mackinnon Splint.” The Mackinnon Splint was given to three children ranging from ages 2.5 to 7.5 with spastic hemiplegia (Flegle & Leibowitz, 1988).

Overall, the study found that children using the Mackinnon Splint recorded improvement in a number of baseline measures. This would help children in the practice who need assistance in grasping things.

References:

Taub, E, Ramsey, S.L., DeLuca, S, Echols, K. (2004). Efficacy of constraint-induced movement therapy for children with cerebral palsy with asymmetric motor impairment. Pediatrics, 113(2):305-12.

Guidetti S, Soderback I (2001). Description of self-care training in occupational therapy: case studies of five Kenyan children with cerebral palsy. Occupational Therapy International, 8, 34-48. 

Flegle, J.H., Leibowitz, J.M. (1988). Improvement in grasp skill in children with hemiplegia with the MacKinnon splint. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 9, 145-151.

Using online resources identify 3 sources of evidence to support intervention by occupational therapy practitioners with children diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

The paper will:
• Identify the resource with link to access resource on-line
• Summarize the findings that support the intervention.
• Identify the treatment approach utilized.
• Provide a brief interpretation by you on why you feel this evidence supports your practice.

Format:
Maximum 2 pages typed with no smaller than 10-point font.
The paper may be in a narrative or bullet format. Include titles for each section listed above.
Resources must come from up to date evidence based practice journals publications.