The long-term effects of conductive education courses in young children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To assess the additional long-term effects of multiple conductive education (CE) courses followed by conventional practice on functional skills and quality of life in children with cerebral palsy (CP) compared to a 4-month CE-course delay including conventional practice.

Methods: Twenty-one children with CP, 3–6 years and varied functional levels, were randomized to 3-week CE course(s) followed by conventional practice or 4 months on a waiting list, including conventional practice and followed by CE-courses. Outcomes were measured 8 and 12 months after baseline. A web-based log collected data on conventional practice.

Results: We found no interaction between group assignment and time on functional skills and quality of life in children with CP at 8 and 12 months. Two thirds of the children in both groups performed a large amount of conventional practice.

Conclusions: No added long-term effects of CE courses were found. Larger controlled CE studies are needed.

KEYWORDS:

• Cerebral palsy
• conductive education
• functional skills
• randomized controlled trail
• young children

Acknowledgments

This study would not have been possible without the participating children and parents, to whom we owe great gratitude and respect. Special thanks go to Christine Rognlien, Gerd Myklebust, and Birthe Hammer, who conducted the clinical measurements of motor function (GMFM-66, GMFCS, and MACS). Without the cooperation and support of the staff at the two PTØ-centers, this study would not have been realized. Last, we would like to thank Sigrid Østensjø and Nina K. Vøllestad for their support in the planning of this study. A grant for this research was provided by the Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences.

Declaration of interests

The authors report no declarations of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.