title: The conductive environment enhances gross motor function of girls with Rett syndrome. A pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurological disorder usually associated with a mutation in the MECP2 gene. Conductive Education (CE) is an educational approach that has not yet been explored with regard to children with RTT.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Assessing functional abilities of individuals with RTT due to CE intervention.
  
  
  METHODS
  A single subject, AB design. method: This study assessed the functional skills of three girls with RTT aged 3-5 years before and during participation in a CE programme.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Gross motor function improvements were observed at the end of the intervention period. Gross motor skills declined slightly in all participants over the summer holidays but improved again a few months after recommencement of the educational year.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Replication of this study with more subjects is justified as is comparison with other educational methods. A home intervention programme should be constructed to prevent decline of skills over the summer vacation.
authors.affiliation: Israeli Rett Syndrome Centre, Sheba Hospital, Ramat-Gan, Israel. ml_pt_rs@netvision.net.il
authors.forename: Meir
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lotan
authors.forename: Rony
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schenker
authors.forename: Judy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wine
authors.forename: Jenny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Downs
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004519:Education, Special / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015518:Rett Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012648:Self Care