P150 – 2879: Summary of results for intensive physiotherapy combined with home-based training in different movement disorders

Abstract

Objective Evidence is accumulating for physiotherapy strategies including vibration assisted therapy for improving mobility and function (Novak et al. 2013). An innovative new routine procedure of the German health care system combines interval-rehabilitation with home-based vibration training. We are presenting the summarised results for motor function after 6 months of training and 6 months follow-up for 3 groups of children: cerebral palsy (CP), spina bifida and osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Methods Retrospective analysis of 6 months of home-based vibration training combined with interval blocks at the University Hospital Cologne: 13 days at the beginning, and 6 days after 3 months. Measurements were taken at the beginning (M0), after 6 months (M6) and after 6 months follow up (M12). Motor function was assessed by the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66). In total 469 patients were analysed: 356 children with CP (mean age 8.9±4.4 years, GMFCS-Level I-IV), 60 with spina bifida (mean age 8.71±4.7 years) and 53 with OI (mean age 9.1±0.61 SEM years). Results In the CP group the GMFM-66 improved by 3.35 points (p Conclusion Two blocks of intensive physiotherapy combined with home-based vibration training showed a significant positive effect on motor function in patients with CP, spina bifida and OI. The results could be sustained after 6 months follow-up, but did not change significantly anymore. All change scores exceed the minimum clinically important difference of 1.8 for a large effect size reported by Oeffinger et al.2008. This retrospective evaluation of clinical data supports the evidence for intensive, goal directed and technology assisted physiotherapy.