Effects of Physiotherapy on Hand Movements of Children with Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome and Autism

Abstract

Movement is an inexhaustible means of self realization, self expression and the way of learning about the surrounding world for children with physical and mental disabilities. Due to the lack of general and fine movements child’s coordination might be impaired. Different methods of motor learning increase child’s ability to perform correct movements and enable them in taking care of themselves, in communicating and gaining knowledge. The objective of the research was to determine the influence of physiotherapy on hand movements of the children suffering from cerebral paralysis, Down syndrome and autism. The tasks of the research: 1. To determine the indicators of hand movement functions of children suffering from cerebral paralysis, Down syndrome and autism before and after physiotherapy. 2. To compare the research indicators of hand movement functions of the children suffering from cerebral paralysis, Down syndrome and autism. Twenty seven children diagnosed with cerebral paralysis, Down syndrome and autism participated in the research. Their age was from 10 to 17 years. Mental disability of most of the children was moderate. The children were divided into three groups: the first group consisted of 13 children with cerebral paralysis, the second group – 8 children with Down syndrome, the third group – 6 children with the diagnosis of autism. Before the first physiotherapy activity the children of all three groups had their hand movements, the frequency of hand movements and their speed researched. The second study was performed after the first physiotherapy activity which lasted for two months, three times a week, thirty minutes a day. The third study was performed after the second physiotherapy activity which followed the first one and lasted for two months, three times a week, thirty minutes twice a day. Physiotherapy program consisted of stretching and exercises exercises for strength, movements for fine and gross motorics and a game. The exercises were done individually, making them more intensive step by step. The tepping test was used to measure the speed and the frequency of hand movements. The strength of muscles was measured with the help of a mechanic dynamometer. The results demonstrate that physiotherapy is effective. The functions of hand movements of children suffering from cerebral paralysis, Down syndrome and autism have improved. The frequency and the speed of hand movements, as well as muscular strength have increased (p < 0.05). Having compared the data of all three research groups we can make a conclusion that the kind of physiotherapy employed was more effective for the children with Down syndrome and autism than for those who had cerebral paralysis. Keywords: kinesitherapy, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism.