Article

OBJECTIVES: To identify evidence evaluating the effectiveness of physiotherapy in
adolescents (>16 years of age) and adults with cerebral palsy.
DATA SOURCES:
Systematic literature search from the earliest available time until March 2009.
Additional studies were identified through reference and citation tracking.
REVIEW METHODS: Two reviewers independently agreed on eligibility, methodological
quality and quality of evidence assessment. Standard methods were used for
quality assessments. RESULTS: Included were 13 studies, two of which were
randomized controlled trials. No article met the criteria for high methodological
quality. Evidence of moderate quality was found on gait after strength training.
Evidence of low quality was found on balance after strength training and
workstation interventions. Low-quality evidence was also found on functionality
after strength training in four studies evaluating gross motor capacity. There
was very low-quality evidence on increased muscle strength and in outcome
measures used to evaluate range of motion. CONCLUSION: Evidence for the effect of
physiotherapy on adolescents and adults with cerebral palsy is sparse, and
therefore there is an urgent need for well-designed physiotherapeutic trials for
these people.

Langue : ANGLAIS