Abstract
A 17-month old male with Trisomy 21 was seen for physical therapy treatment for nine sessions from 04/08/16 to 05/12/16 at an outpatient pro bono clinic, including one home-based visit. Treatment was provided by a student physical therapist under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The patient was evaluated with the Beighton Scale of Hypermobility, the Ten Meter Walk Test, the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2, the Gross Motor Function Measure-88, and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory. This data was used to develop a plan of care, with the primary goals being to improve core muscular strength and postural control and increase functional mobility by developing independence with the use of a reverse walker. Interventions were implemented following a task-specific approach and family-centered care approach and included treadmill training and functional activities training. Although the patient did not improve relative to age-matched norms, he showed a significant improvement in function and participation at the end of the nine sessions. He was able to utilize a reverse walker with minimal assistance and showed greater consistency in four-point creeping on hands and knees. The patient was discharged home with a home exercise program and instructions to follow-up with his regular outpatient physical therapist.