1.The experience of providing home-based services to children with cerebral palsy with the support of a physical therapist
Baigali Kh ; Otgonbaatar A ; Batlkham D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;87(3):128-134
Background:
The prevalence of cerebral palsy is estimated to be between
1.5 and 3.8 per 1,000 live births. In Mongolia, the incidence is
reported to be 1.89 per 1,000 live births. Physical therapy for children
with cerebral palsy improved their motor abilities. The involvement of
family members plays a critical role in engaging children in therapeutic
activities.
Aim:
Empowering parents and guardians to ensure regular
participation in physical therapy is a priority.
Materials and Methods:
A total of six children aged 4–9 years (2 males, 4 females) with quadriplegia
who received home-based services between October 1, 2023,
and October 1, 2024, were selected using a case-controlled clinical trial
design. A physical therapist visited once every two weeks for 60-minute
sessions. Children’s motor development was assessed using the
GMFM-88 criteria, and statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS
version 26.
Results:
Following the physical therapist’s guidance, parents
conducted physical therapy exercises with their children an average
of 4.5 times per week, with each session lasting approximately
26.6 minutes. Statistically significant improvements in motor function
were observed at the 3-month (p = 0.020), 6-month (p = 0.006), and
1-year (p = 0.006) reassessments.
Conclusion
These findings highlight
the importance of parental and guardian involvement in supporting
the motor development of children with cerebral palsy.