Physical Therapy Intervention for Children with Cerebral Palsy Who Receive Botulinum Toxin A Injections

In Brief Purpose This study describes changes in physical therapy (PT) service delivery, intervention strategies, and anticipated goals after botulinum toxin A (BtA) injections for children with cerebral palsy and lower extremity spasticity. Methods Subjects were six physical therapists who were the primary therapists for children who received BtA injections. A questionnaire was developed for this study. Data were collected by structured telephone interview during a six-month period that included a two-month preinjection and four-month postinjection phase for each child. A descriptive analysis was done to determine changes in PT over time. Results Three therapists reported increased levels of PT in the postinjection phase. Trends in interventions indicated use of strategies that were impairment and function based to achieve goals. Most goals emphasized functional change. Conclusion This study identifies PT interventions and trends in goal achievement for children with cerebral palsy after BtA injections. This study describes changes in physical therapy (PT) service delivery; intervention strategies; and goals following botulinum toxin A (BtA) injections for children with cerebral palsy. The authors found increased levels of PT after BtA injections and have identified PT interventions and trends in goal achievement for children with cerebral palsy following these injections.