Early Detection and Intervention for Children with High Risk of Cerebral Palsy: A Survey of Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists in Brazil.

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this study was to assess the current clinical practice of physiotherapists and occupational therapists on early detection and early intervention for children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Brazil.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. A purpose-developed electronic survey was disseminated across the country to physiotherapists and occupational therapists working with young children with or at risk of CP.

Results: A total of 205 anonymous respondents were included. Most participants (64.4%) agree that the diagnosis of CP can be made before 6 months of age. General Movements Assessment (26.8%) and Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (37.1%) were used infrequently. Infants at risk for CP receive therapy twice a week or more by 58.5% of therapists, 93.2% identified parents' goals as the most important factor in customizing the early intervention program. The most frequent intervention strategies for this age group were active stimulation of the child (n = 182), family training (n = 161), strategies to optimize the environment (n = 143), and neurodevelopmental treatment/Bobath (n = 99).

Conclusions: Currently, pediatric physiotherapists and occupational therapists in Brazil do not fully incorporate best practice tools for early identification of children with CP, nor sufficient best evidence-based interventions.