Motor Learning Versus Neurodevelopmental Treatment

A recent article in Clinical Rehabilitation compared two groups of children with cerebral palsy. Seventy eight children (ages 66-146 months) with spastic cerebral palsy (gross motor functional levels II and III) were divided into two groups. One group received motor learning coaching for 3x/week, one hour sessions, over three months. The other group received the same 3x/week, 1 hour sessions for three months of neurodevelopmetnal treatment (NDT). After the three months and at 6 months, the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66) was performed along with parent questionnaire and stair climbing was assessed.

The results showed the following:

• both groups showed increased scores in GMFM-66 at 3 months
• at 6 months retention was significantly better in the motor learning group level II children
• stair climbing also showed improved retention after 6 months in the motor learning group (increased by 1.1% compared to a decreased of 0.3% in the NDT group)
• mobility improved by 13% for the motor learning coaching group and decreased by 12% with the NDT group

The researchers concluded that motor learning coaching resulted in significantly better results in gross motor function and mobility for higher level functioning children with cerebral palsy.

Reference: Simona Bar-Haim et. al. Effectiveness of motor learning coaching in children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial Clin Rehabil November 2010 vol. 24 no. 11 1009-1020