Abstract
A young patient with ataxic cerebral palsy was seen for physical therapy treatment for 13 sessions from 3/12/15 to 5/7/15 at a Pediatric Pro Bono clinic. Treatment was provided by a student physical therapist under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with Gross Motor Function Measure-66, Gross Motor Function Classification System, Peabody Developmental Motor Scale-2, 6 Minute Walk Test, 10 Meter Walk Test, Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory, observational gait analysis, and functional strength in the context of negotiating stairs, and a plan of care was established. Main goals for the patient were to improve static and dynamic standing balance, increase independence with functional tasks, improve functional strength during stairs, gait mechanics, endurance, and speed. Main interventions used were over-ground gait training with and without partial bodyweight support, Gentile’s taxonomy of task to improve balance, task-specific training, and functional training. The patient improved gait endurance and speed, functional strength, balance, and functional independence. The patient was discharged home under the care and supervision of family with a home exercise program.