ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to describe input from key partners to inform the scope and priorities for a clinical practice guideline (CPG) pertaining to physical therapy services provided to children and youth with Down syndrome (DS). METHODS: A 68-item survey was completed by interventionists and parents (n = 296) of children and youth with DS. RESULTS: The most prevalent physical therapy interventions currently being performed included tummy time, postural control activities, activity-based interventions, and play-based interventions. Key partners agreed on the importance of specific clinical outcomes, needing guidance on frequency and dosage of interventions, common barriers to physical therapy intervention, and needing information for discharge criteria in a future CPG. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this survey have given the CPG committee the necessary information to inform the CPG process for children and youth with DS.
Subject(s)
Down Syndrome , Adolescent , Child , Humans , Parents , Surveys and Questionnaires , Practice Guidelines as TopicABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This case report highlights the functional and quality-of-life outcomes of an 8-week treadmill training program for an 18-month old child with Williams syndrome who is not walking. SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS: The child had clinical improvements in gross motor function and quality of life as determined by the Gross Motor Function Measure and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory after 8 weeks of treadmill training as an outpatient. STATEMENT OF CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: Treadmill training is clinically feasible and effective for this child with Williams syndrome. Further research is necessary for generalizability. Treadmill training should be considered when developing a plan of care for children with Williams syndrome who are not walking or children with similar deficits.
