Feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a novel mobility training intervention in infants and toddlers with cerebral palsy.
OBJECTIVE
To design a novel mobility training intervention incorporating infant motor learning and neurorehabilitation principles and investigate its feasibility, tolerability and effect on motor development in toddlers with cerebral palsy (CP).


METHODS
A single-subject research design with repeated measures during 6-week baseline and intervention phases and after treatment withdrawal was used. Five participants attended therapy utilizing novel dynamic weight assistance technology, which allowed practice of motor skills beyond participants' current abilities.


RESULTS
Average attendance and engagement rates exceeded 90%. Gains in gross motor function were observed after treatment that exceeded the expected rate in four of the five participants. Rates of motor development during treatment were 10.8, 3.8, 7.0, 15.1, and 0.3 times greater than during baseline for the five participants, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
This intervention was tolerated and demonstrated the potential to alter the trajectory of motor development in CP, providing proof of concept for further investigation.
Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. prosserl@email.chop.edu
Laura A
LA
Prosser
Laurie B
LB
Ohlrich
Lindsey A
LA
Curatalo
Katharine E
KE
Alter
Diane L
DL
Damiano
D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016896:Treatment Outcome