The Combination of Intensive Physiotherapy and Community Based Rehabilitation for a Children with Cerebral Palsy in a Rural Area in the Republic of Malawi. A Single Case Study

Abstract

[Purpose] This case study is to investigate effective intervention methods for children with cerebral palsy in rural areas in Malawi. [Subject and Method] 5yr old male with Cerebral Palsy diagnosed as Diplegia with the GMFCS level Ⅲ. We used the GMFM-88 for assessing his motor function and made a treatment plan which was centered on standing and walking tasks. The treatment was conducted by his mother and community volunteers. [Result] Regarding the GMFM-88, only the score in the standing domain increased by 8% at the end of treatment and then by 26% two months after the treatment, therefore in total 34%. The CBR matrix was also improved. [Conclusion] The combination of intensive physiotherapy and coaching by caregivers led to improvement in the motor function of the child. In addition, the collaboration between the caregivers and the community volunteers created the ideal intervention for the CBR.