The Effectiveness of a Physical Therapy Intervention for Children with Hypotonia and Flatfeet

<p><strong>Purpose:</strong> The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of physical therapy using Cascade orthotics and an exercise program for children with hypotonia and flatfeet. <strong>Subjects:</strong> Thirty-seven children, aged 18 months to 5 years, who demonstrated developmental delays and hypotonia with flatfoot dysfunction, participated in this study. <strong>Methods:</strong> Three groups (control, orthotic, and orthotic-exercise) were studied. The orthotic- exercise group practiced bilateral heel lifts besides wearing the orthoses. An arch index was used to assess the width of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) pre/post interventions. Gait parameters (velocity, step-length, single-limb support, and cadence) were assessed four times in a six-month period using the GAITRite™ system. <strong>Results:</strong> Significant differences pre/post testing (P<.05) were found in the arch index for the orthotic group and positive trends were observed for the orthotic-exercise group. Velocity, step-length, single-limb support, and cadence changes were also significant for the three groups over time. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> Interventions benefit children with hypotonia and flat feet. Future studies might consider a longer duration and larger sample size.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physical Therapy Sciences

Year

2004

Author dc:creator

• Ross, Charmayne G.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Bonnie Forrester
• Everett Lohman III
• Grenith Zimmerman
• Fernando Villar

• Physical Therapy
• Muscle Hypotonia -- therapy
• Flatfoot -- therapy
• Child.

Statement dc:rights

• This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/1345

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarsrepository.llu.edu:etd-2117