Systematic review of physiotherapy interventions to improve gross motor capacity and performance in children and adolescents with an acquired brain injury.
To systematically review the efficacy of physiotherapy interventions to improve gross motor capacity, performance and societal participation in children aged 5-17 years with an acquired brain injury (ABI).



Randomized and non-randomized controlled trials, cohort, case series, case-control and case studies were included and classified according to grades of evidence. Methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Downs and Black (D&B) scale and quantitative data was analysed using effect sizes.



Two home-based studies investigated functional strength training (one randomized controlled trial, n = 20, level 2b, D&B = 16/32 and one non-randomized self-control study, n = 19, level 4, D&B = 15/32). Four studies evaluated virtual reality including: one pilot study, n = 50, level 4, D&B = 22/32; one single-subject, non-concurrent, randomized multiple baseline study, n = 3, level 4, D&B = 15/32; one case series study, n = 2, level 4, D&B = 15/32; one case study, n = 1, level 4, D&B = 15/32. Effect sizes for the randomized controlled trial ranged between 0.30-1.29 for the Functional Reach and Timed Up and Go outcome measures.



There is preliminary evidence to support the efficacy of physiotherapy interventions to improve gross motor outcomes in children with an ABI. Both functional strength training and virtual-reality based therapy are potential treatment options for clinicians to prescribe in either home or clinical settings.
a Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, School of Medicine , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Australia.
Emmah
E
Baque
a Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, School of Medicine , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Australia.
Leanne
L
Sakzewski
a Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, School of Medicine , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Australia.
Lee
L
Barber
a Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, School of Medicine , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Australia.
Roslyn N
RN
Boyd
D000293:Adolescent; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities
Acquired brain injury; activity; adolescent; child; gross motor; physiotherapy; rehabilitation