Focus on function: a randomized control trial comparing two rehabilitation interventions for young children with cerebral palsy

Law, M., Darrah, J., Pollock, N., Rosenbaum, P., Russell, D., Walter, S.D., Petrenchik, T., Wilson, B., Wright, V.

This paper presents the background information, design and protocol for a randomized clinical trial comparing a task/context approach to a child focused remediation approach in improving functional outcomes for young children with cerebral palsy. The evidence supporting current interventions in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is inconclusive. A huge amount of resources is directed at the problems associated with CP such as interventions for self care, play and school activities. A large amount of uncertainty surrounds the appropriate therapeutic approaches to the rehabilitation of children with CP.

The primary objective of this study was to conduct a multi site randomized clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of a task/context-focused approach compared to a child-focused remediation approach in improving performance of functional tasks. A sample representing children attending publicly funded regional centres for rehabilitation, aged between 12 months and 5 years. Outcomes will be evaluated at baseline, after six months of treatment and at 3 month follow up period. 

BMC Pediatrics 2007, 7:31

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