Upper limb physical therapy interventions to improve functions in cerebral palsy children: A review article

Abstract

Introduction: upper limb function is considered challenging barrier for children with cerebral palsy hindering their activity levels and participation in play activities at home, school or other contexts. The aim of this critical review is to gain a deeper understanding of how the different physical therapy interventions could be beneficial in terms of functional outcomes either when used separately or combined with each other’s and provide summary of dosing reported for each. Method: A literature search was conducted using electronic databases for health research; Embase, Cochrane, Pedro, Science Direct and Clinical Key. 16 papers where selected meeting the aim of the review and the criteria of work (randomized control trials. systematic reviews, meta-analysis) and critically reviewed. Findings: recommended dosing in literature was: for CIMT dosing 60 hours over 10 days and 6 hours per day for 15 days, for HABIT 6 hours per day for 15 days and 6 hours per day for 3 weeks, for Strength Training is 6-10 per set, and the intensity (load) is increased to 85% 1RM. While, goal directed training dosing to be effective should exceed 30-40 hours per week and Virtual reality to be more than 1080 minutes over 4 weeks.