Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: June | Volume: 9 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 87-93
Effect of Specific Reflex Integration Approach on Primitive Reflexes in Spastic Cerebral Palsy Children
Sailee C Wagh1, Mandar R Malawade2, Govindhan Vardharajulu3
1MPTh Student, Department of Pediatric Physiotherapy, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Karad, Satara, Maharashtra.
2Associate Professor, Department of Pediatric Physiotherapy, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Karad, Satara, Maharashtra.
3Dean, Professor, Department of Neuro Physiotherapy, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Karad, Satara, Maharashtra.
Corresponding Author: Sailee C Wagh
ABSTRACT
Background: The retained PRs may provide the earliest indication of cerebral palsy with fixed motor deficit consistent with long before any discrete motor sings are present which needs to be integrated for their motor development. Various primitive reflexes are being assessed in CP children but are not treated on basis of the retained reflexes. Hence, the aim was to find the effect of specific reflex integration approach on primitive reflexes in children with spastic cerebral palsy
Methodology: This study was carried out in pediatric physiotherapy department of Krishna hospital, Karad. 40 children (21 males, 19 females) diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy with the age group 12 to 24 months were included in this study. Six Primitive reflexes were assessed clinically; HINE score were used for clinical neurological examination along with Motor Milestones to explore their motor development. Specific reflex integration approaches were given to the subjects for 4times/week for 6 weeks.
Results: High prevalence of palmar reflex followed by ATNR was observed among all the CP children with 80% and 67% respectively. Statistical analysis was done using paired t test. The Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination showed significant improvement with the P<0.0001.
Conclusion: The present study provides the evidence to support that there is association of retained primitive reflexes and motor development and supports the use of specific reflex integration approach to integrate primitive reflexes in children with spastic cerebral palsy.
Key words: Cerebral Palsy, Motor Milestones, Primitive reflexes, Reflex integration, ATNR, Righting reflex.