Physical Therapy for Children With Cerebral Palsy: An Evidence-Based Approach

Cerebral palsy is the most common movement disorder encountered in pediatric physical therapy practice. Physical Therapy for Children With Cerebral Palsy: An Evidence-Based Approach is a unique, comprehensive reference that focuses on physical therapy management of children with cerebral palsy through the analysis and synthesis of published research, and it offers evidence-based teaching and learning opportunities to a wide reading audience. Inside, Dr. Mary Rahlin examines the current approach to the diagnosis and classification of cerebral palsy and explores the research evidence related to prognosis; medical management; and physical therapy examination, evaluation, and intervention for children with this condition. Physical Therapy for Children With Cerebral Palsy analyzes cerebral palsy as a lifespan condition and utilizes the framework of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Sections include: Typical and atypical development of movement and postural control Cerebral palsy as a development disorder Medical management of alterations of body structures and functions by body systems Physical therapy management, including theoretical foundation, research evidence, and practice Normal and abnormal gait patterns and current evidence for orthotic management and assistive technology Transition to adult life Unique topics discussed: Variability, complexity, and adaptability in motor development The interdisciplinary team and effective interprofessional collaboration Assessment and management of therapy-related behavior Complementary and alternative interventions Segmental kinematic approach to orthotic management via ankle-foot-orthosis/footwear combination Other unique features include “Questions to Ponder” and “Suggested Questions for Future Research” at the end of each chapter. These are intended to generate healthy professional debate on a variety of topics, both in the classroom and in the clinic, and challenge the readers to plan new studies in search for evidence that will continue moving the pediatric physical therapy practice forward. Bonus! Also included with Physical Therapy for Children With Cerebral Palsy is online access to video clips that accompany the text and highlight typical and atypical development, use of assistive technology, life span issues, and transition to adulthood. Physical Therapy for Children With Cerebral Palsy: An Evidence-Based Approach is intended for physical therapy students, educators, residents, and experienced clinicians, including physical therapists, other members of the interdisciplinary team, and researchers working with children with cerebral palsy.

Table of Contents:
Foreword Introduction Section I Typical and Atypical Development of Movement and Postural Control Chapter 1 Theoretical Perspectives on Motor Development Chapter 2 Variability, Complexity, and Adaptability in Typical and Atypical Motor DevelopmentQuestions to PonderSuggested Questions for Future Research Section II Cerebral Palsy as a Developmental Disorder Chapter 3 Definition, Incidence, Etiology, Classification, and Diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy Chapter 4 Alterations in Body Structures and Functions, Activity Limitations, and Participation Issues in Children With Cerebral Palsy Chapter 5 Evidence for Prognosis for Ambulation, Employment, and Independent LivingQuestions to PonderSuggested Questions for Future Research Section III Medical Management Chapter 6 The Interdisciplinary Team and Effective Interprofessional Collaboration in Health CareMary Rahlin, PT, DHS, PCS and Wendy Rheault, PT, PhD, FASAHP, FNAP Chapter 7 Neurological and Neuromuscular Systems: Medical and Surgical Management of Alterations in Body Structures and Functions Chapter 8 Musculoskeletal System: Medical and Surgical Management of Alterations in Body Structures and Functions Chapter 9 Cardiovascular and Pulmonary, Digestive, Integumentary, Urogenital, and Sensory Systems: Medical and Surgical Management of Alterations in Body Structures and Functions Chapter 10 Pain Assessment and ManagementRoberta Henderson, PT, PhD and Mary Rahlin, PT, DHS, PCSQuestions to Ponder Suggested Questions for Future Research Section IV Physical Therapy Management: Theoretical Foundation, Research Evidence, and Practice Chapter 11 Physical Therapy Examination and Evaluation: Tests and Measures, Anticipated Goals, Expected Outcomes, and Tracking Progress Chapter 12 Therapy Settings and Service Delivery Models Chapter 13 Assessment and Management of Therapy-Related Behavior Chapter 14 Therapeutic Approaches Regina T. Harbourne, PhD, PT, PCS and Mary Rahlin, PT, DHS, PCS Chapter 15 Common Intervention Strategies and Techniques Chapter 16 Complementary and Alternative Interventions Chapter 17 Significance of Manual Guidance in Pediatric Physical Therapy Practice Chapter 18 Therapy Frequency, Duration, and Intensity Issues Questions to PonderSuggested Questions for Future Research Section V Normal and Abnormal Gait Patterns and Current Evidence for Orthotic Management and Assistive Technology Chapter 19 Normal Gait Kinematics and Kinetics Elaine Owen, MSc, SRP, MCSP, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist Chapter 20 Common Approaches to Orthotic Management of the Lower Extremity, Trunk, and Upper ExtremityDonald McGovern, CPO, FAAOP and Mary Rahlin, PT, DHS, PCS Chapter 21 Segmental Kinematic Approach to Orthotic Management: Ankle-Foot Orthosis/Footwear CombinationElaine Owen, MSc, SRP, MCSP, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist Chapter 22 Assistive Technology, With Emphasis on Positioning and Mobility Equipment Questions to Ponder Suggested Questions for Future Research Section VI Transition to Adulthood Chapter 23 Cerebral Palsy as a Life Span Condition Chapter 24 Planning Transition to Adult LifeDonna Frownfelter, PT, DPT, MA, CCS, RRT, FCCP and Mary Rahlin, PT, DHS, PC SQuestions to Ponder Suggested Questions for Future Research Financial Disclosures Index