Orthopaedic Disorders in Cerebral Palsy in International Cooperation Projects: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Elisa Maria Garrido-Ardila, Berta Caro-Puertolas, Maria Jiménez-Palomares, Jesús Montanero-Fernández, Trinidad Rodríguez-Domínguez and Juan Rodríguez-Mansilla
Additional contact information
Elisa Maria Garrido-Ardila: ADOLOR Research Group, Department of Medical-Surgical Therapy, Medicine and Health Sciences Faculty, Extremadura University, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
Berta Caro-Puertolas: Department of Medical-Surgical Therapy, Medicine and Health Sciences Faculty, Extremadura University, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
Maria Jiménez-Palomares: ADOLOR Research Group, Department of Medical-Surgical Therapy, Medicine and Health Sciences Faculty, Extremadura University, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
Jesús Montanero-Fernández: Mathematics Department, Medicine Faculty, Extremadura University, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
Trinidad Rodríguez-Domínguez: ROBOLAB Research Group, Medical-Surgical Therapy Department, Nursing and Occupational Therapy Faculty, Extremadura University, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
Juan Rodríguez-Mansilla: ADOLOR Research Group, Department of Medical-Surgical Therapy, Medicine and Health Sciences Faculty, Extremadura University, 06006 Badajoz, Spain

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 15, 1-15

Abstract: Background: In international cooperation projects that are carried out in less developed and developing countries, a large number of children with disabilities present cerebral palsy (CP). Orthopaedic disorders are frequent complications associated with this disorder. Their prevention and early intervention are essential to achieve an appropriate therapeutic approach for children with PC and to improve their quality of life. Objective: To describe the treatment approach that is currently used in international cooperation projects for the rehabilitation management of the orthopaedic disorders in children with cerebral palsy. Methods: This is an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study, carried out by means of an online questionnaire to professionals in the field of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation working in international cooperation projects. The inclusion criteria were professionals working in the rehabilitation field in development aid, humanitarian action or emergency projects that provided rehabilitation services, working with children with cerebral palsy from 0 to 18 years old. Results: Ninety-eight questionnaires were analysed. The average age of the participants was 33.2 years, they were mainly working in development cooperation projects (83.33%) that were implemented in rehabilitation centres and through community-based rehabilitation services (60%). The projects were located in countries all over the world but mainly on the Asian continent (71.4%). Physiotherapists and orthopaedic technicians (72.22%) were the main professionals working in these projects, followed by occupational therapists and social workers (55.56%). The results indicated that the orthopaedic disorders were very frequent in the sample (66.67%), with hip subluxation (50%), scoliosis (77.78%), kyphosis (61.1%), clubfoot (88.7%) and varus foot (61.11%) standing out. The most commonly used treatment approaches were positioning (88.89%) and the Bobath concept (83.33%). The technical aids that were used by the professionals were ankle foot orthosis (AFO) (94.44%), bracing (66.67%), standing frames (83.33%), moulded seats (100%), corner seats (93.75%) and adapted seats (92.85%). Conclusions: In international cooperation projects, the rehabilitation treatment of children with cerebral palsy is based on a holistic approach. This is reflected in the interventions that are carried out to treat their orthopaedic disorders and in locally produced devices, awareness raising and community education. However, the professionals surveyed considered that the aids or orthoses used are insufficient in the treatment and prevention of orthopaedic disorders in cerebral palsy.

Keywords: cerebral palsy; children; international cooperation projects; orthopaedic disorders (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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