Outpatient physical therapy to improve gross motor function of a 19-month old child with cerebral palsy and left hemiparesis

A 19-month old male with cerebral palsy and left hemiparesis was seen for physical therapy treatment for 15 sessions and one home visit over 8 weeks at an outpatient physical therapy program held at a university. Treatment was provided by a student physical therapist under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The child was evaluated at the initial encounter with Range of Motion, Modified Ashworth Scale, Gross Motor Function Measure, Gross Motor Function Classification System, 10 Meter Walk Test, Peabody Developmental Motor Scales and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory for Caregiver Assistance and a plan of care was established. Main goals for the child were to improve strength of left extremities, gait speed and walking independence, static and dynamic balance, gross motor function and decrease caregiver burden. Main interventions used were over-ground body weight supported gait training on a track system, strengthening exercises, balance training, creeping/quadruped training, and goal-directed functional training and family education. The child improved strength, gait speed and independence, balance, and gross motor function. The child was discharged to remain living at home with his family with a home exercise program and continued physical therapy services