Physical therapy intervention for children with cerebral palsy who receive botulinum toxin a injections.
OBJECTIVE
This study describes changes in physical therapy (PT) service delivery, intervention strategies, and anticipated goals after botulinum toxin A (BtA) injections for children with cerebral palsy and lower extremity spasticity.


METHODS
Subjects were six physical therapists who were the primary therapists for children who received BtA injections. A questionnaire was developed for this study. Data were collected by structured telephone interview during a six-month period that included a two-month preinjection and four-month postinjection phase for each child. A descriptive analysis was done to determine changes in PT over time.


RESULTS
Three therapists reported increased levels of PT in the postinjection phase. Trends in interventions indicated use of strategies that were impairment and function based to achieve goals. Most goals emphasized functional change.


CONCLUSIONS
This study identifies PT interventions and trends in goal achievement for children with cerebral palsy after BtA injections.
O'Neil
Margaret E
ME
Drexel University, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Hahnemann Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA. moneil@drexel.edu
Fragala
Maria A
MA
Dumas
Helene M
HM