Article

The ability to sit independently is fundamental for function but
delayed in infants with cerebral palsy (CP). Studies of interventions directed
specifically toward sitting in infants with CP have not been reported.
The purpose of this study was to compare 2 interventions for improving sitting
postural control in infants with CP. For this randomized longitudinal
study, infants under 2 years of age and at risk for CP were recruited for
intervention directed toward sitting independence.
SETTING: The intervention was
conducted at home or at an outpatient facility.
Fifteen infants with typical development (mean age at entry = 5 months, SD = 0.5)
were followed longitudinally as a comparison for postural variables. Thirty-five
infants with delays in achieving sitting were recruited. Infants with delays were
randomly assigned to receive a home program (1 time per week for 8 weeks; mean
age = 15.5 months, SD = 7) or a perceptual-motor intervention (2 times per week
for 8 weeks; mean age = 14.3 months, SD = 3). MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome
measure was center-of-pressure (COP) data, from which linear and nonlinear
variables were extracted. The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) sitting
subsection was the clinical outcome measure. RESULTS: There was a main effect of
time for the GMFM sitting subscale and for 2 of the COP variables. Interaction of
group x time factors indicated significant differences between intervention
groups on 2 COP measures, in favor of the group with perceptual-motor intervention. LIMITATIONS: The small number of infants limits the ability to
generalize the findings. CONCLUSIONS: Although both groups made progress on the
GMFM, the COP measures indicated an advantage for the group with perceptual-motor
intervention. The COP measures appear sensitive for assessment of infant posture
control and quantifying intervention response.

Langue : ANGLAIS