The emerging role of the pediatric physical therapist in evaluation and intervention for individuals with lysosomal storage diseases.
OBJECTIVE
The purposes of this article are to describe the pathology, medical implications, and typical impairments of individuals with various lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs), summarize results of recent clinical trials on medical interventions relevant to physical therapy practice, report new advances in functional measurement, and suggest a framework for physical therapy management and intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
Medical and surgical interventions are enabling individuals with LSDs to not only survive but to improve their daily functioning and quality of life. This is likely to become an increasing area of emphasis in pediatric physical therapy, as the intervention emphasis for some individuals will shift from maintenance to restorative programs.


CONCLUSIONS
We recommend that pediatric physical therapists become familiar with new LSD therapeutics, play a major role in evaluating impairment and functional limitation changes in individuals with LSDs, and become knowledgeable about the indications and precautions for restorative physical therapy programs.
Haley
Stephen M
SM
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215-1605, USA. smhaley@bu.edu
Fragala-Pinkham
Maria
M
Latham
Nancy K
NK
Skrinar
Alison M
AM
Cogswell
Deborah
D
D000488:Allied Health Personnel; D019090:Case Management; D002648:Child; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D016464:Lysosomal Storage Diseases / Q000145:classification / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D020140:Lysosomal Storage Diseases, Nervous System / Q000534:rehabilitation; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty; D024382:Professional Role; D011597:Psychomotor Performance