Survey Identifies Key Tools for Cerebral Palsy Early Diagnosis

TOLEDO, Spain—A survey of physical therapy practice in Spain has confirmed the key tools that are needed for early diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Findings are published in Pediatric Physical Therapy journal.
TITLE IN PEDIATRIC PHYSICAL THERAPY:
Tool Use for Early Detection of Cerebral Palsy: A Survey of Spanish Pediatric Physical Therapists
AUTHORS:
Javier Merino-Andrés PT MSc
Álvaro Hidalgo-Robles MSc
Soraya Pérez-Nombela PT PhD MSc
Sîan A Williams PT PhD MSc
Ginny Paleg PT PhD MSc
Francisco Javier Fernández-Rego PT PhD MSc
INSTITUTIONS:
Faculty of Physical Therapy and Nursing (Mr Merino-Andrés and Dr Pérez-Nombela), University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo Physical Therapy Research Group, Toledo, Spain;
Toledo Physical Therapy Research Group (GIFTO) (Messrs Merino-Andrés and Hidalgo-Robles and Dr Pérez-Nombela), University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain;
Centro Crecer (Mr Merino-Andrés), Toledo, Spain;
International University of La Rioja (Mr Hidalgo-Robles), La Rioja, Spain;
Curtin School of Allied Health (Dr Williams), Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia;
Liggins Institute (Dr Williams), The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand;
Montgomery County Infants and Toddlers Program (Dr Paleg), Rockville, Maryland; Department of Physical Therapy (Dr Fernández-Rego) and Early Intervention Research Group (GIAT) (Dr Fernández-Rego), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this study was to assess the use of diagnostic assessment tools in pediatric physical therapy practice in Spain. Best practice recommendations indicate the timely use of key assessment tools to reduce the age of diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP).
METHODS:
Pediatric physical therapists currently working in Spain in early intervention were recruited through targeted physical therapy entities. They were invited to complete the purpose-developed electronic survey, consisting of 45 multiple-choice questions, with 5 thematic blocks.
RESULTS:
Results from 140 anonymous respondents were analyzed. The average reported age when CP was suspected was 12.6 months. Most used the child’s clinical history (88.1%), the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (41.3%), and Vojta Assessment Procedure (32.1%) to assess and detect CP. General Movements Assessment (25.7%) and Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (28.4%) were used infrequently.
CONCLUSIONS:
Currently, pediatric physical therapists in Spain rely on clinical history and outdated tools to identify children with CP.
REFERENCE: Pediatr Phys Ther 2022;00:1–9
CORRESPONDENCE:

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Congratulations Javier and Alvara, nice to see that your work has reached many.