Effect of Neurodevelopmental Treatment on Mobility in Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy is a severe form of cerebral palsy characterized by marked motor impairment, postural dysfunction, and sensory processing deficits that limit functional mobility. Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) is widely used in pediatric rehabilitation to improve motor control and functional abilities, although evidence in children with severe functional limitations remains limited.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Neurodevelopmental Treatment in improving sensory processing and gross motor function in a child with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy.

Methods: A descriptive analytical case report was conducted in a 5 year old boy classified as GMFCS Level V. The intervention was provided for four weeks, three sessions per week, with each session lasting 45 minutes. Outcome measures included the Short Sensory Profile (SSP), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), and Gross Motor Function Measure 88 (GMFM 88). Data were analyzed descriptively using percentage changes.

Results: Sensory processing improved, indicated by an increase in SSP total score from 106/190. Gross motor function also improved, particularly in Dimension A (lying and rolling), with GMFM 88 scores increasing from 9.80% to 10.80%. Spasticity levels showed no significant change, with MAS scores remaining stable at a mean score of 1–2.

Conclusion: Neurodevelopmental Treatment improved sensory processing and basic gross motor function, especially in early motor activities such as lying and rolling. However, no significant effect on spasticity was observed during the short intervention period. Longer intervention duration may be needed to influence muscle tone.