The influence of physical therapy on the neuropsychomotor development of a hydrocephalus patient

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the influence of physical therapy in the neuropsychomotor development of a patient with clinical diagnosis of hydrocephalus. Description: Child, male, aged 2 years and 2 months, with clinical diagnosis of hydrocephalus and presenting neuropsychomotor delay. For evaluation, were used the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and a Sensorial-Motor Evaluation Record. The intervention period lasted 20 months, being verified improvement from Level IV to Level II in GMFCS and an improvement of functional abilities and balance in the postures of the neuropsychomotor development with acquisition of the biped position and ambulation with support at the end of the research. The intervention protocol was based on pertinent literature, and associated with home orientations and prescription of the Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO). In agreement with the findings of GMFCS and of the Sensorial-Motor Evaluation Record, the patient obtained a satisfactory evolution and, it is suggested that the proposed intervention program, allied to the child’s intrinsicdevelopment, contributed to the acquisition of functional abilities. Conclusion: The protocol used in the study is in agreement with the data reviewed in the literature, evidencing the importance of the results of the present research, which could be used as reference for futures studies.