Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Articles
Applying Motor-Control Theory to Physical Therapy Practice: A Case Report
Publication Title
Physiotherapy Canada
Publisher
Canadian Physiotherapy Association
ISSN
0027-8424
Publication Date
8-2011
Keywords
Application of Theory, Case Report, Cerebral Palsy, Motor Control
Abstract
Purpose: This case report describes the application of an integrated, systems-based theory of motor control to physical therapy practice.
Client Description: The patient was a 5-year-old boy with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy who was entering kindergarten. Parent concerns related to the child's safety in playground activities such as playing on the slide.
Interventions: Motor-control theory, including factors related to the task, the environment, and the individual, was used to guide and direct physical therapy management related to the patient goal of safely and effectively climbing the ladder to the playground slide.
Patient Outcomes: When the child entered kindergarten, he was able to safely ascend the ladder to the playground slide, using a modified movement pattern, when distractions were minimized. However, attentional issues continued to affect task execution when other children were present.
Implications: This case report demonstrates a means by which current knowledge and theory can be integrated into clinical practice.
Future Directions: Applying motor-control theory to this case led to the development of clinical questions for future research.
DOI
10.3138/ptc.2010-06
Volume
63
Issue
3
First Page
345
Last Page
354
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
NSUWorks Citation
Kenyon, Lisa K. and Blackinton, Mary T., "Applying Motor-Control Theory to Physical Therapy Practice: A Case Report" (2011). Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Articles. 70.
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hpd_pt_facarticles/70