A Pilot Study of Hand Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy Undergoing Intensive Neurophysiological Rehabilitation

Intensive Neurophysiological Rehabilitation System is a novel multimodal rehabilitation approach that combines different treatment modalities. The treatment course lasts for 2 weeks with daily therapy up to 4 hours. Main treatment programs include biomechanical correction of the spine, extremity joint mobilization, physical and occupational therapy, reflexotherapy, special massage system, rhythmical group exercises, mechanotherapy and computer games therapy and some other. Preliminary observational studies indicate an improvement of gross and fine motor functions in children with Cerebral Palsy after the treatment course. The aim of the study is to observe the effects of Intensive Neurophysiological Rehabilitation System on hand function in children with spastic cerebral palsy. About 50 patients with spastic forms of cerebral palsy with mild to moderate impairment of hand function (Level I to III according to Manual Abilities Classification System) would be evaluated before and after the two-week treatment course. This study may help to generate the hypothesis of the effects of the Intensive treatment course on hand function abilities and to prepare a future randomized controlled trial.