Effectiveness of standardized approach versus usual care on physiotherapy treatment for patients submitted to alveolar bone graft: a pilot study

Abstract

Aim: To compare the acute effects of a standardized physiotherapy protocol versus a typical non-standardized physiotherapy protocol on pain and performance of patients undergoing alveolar bone graft (ABG). Method: Sixteen patients (9 males; 12 [11–13] years) with cleft lip and palate undergoing ABG were allocated into two groups: (1) experimental group – EG (standardized physiotherapy protocol); and (2) control group – CG (typical, non-standardized physiotherapy treatment). Range of motion, muscle strength, gait speed, and pain level were assessed prior to surgical intervention (PRE), as well as on the first, second, and third post-operative days (1st, 2nd, and 3rd PO, respectively). Results: Recovery with respect to range of motion of hip flexion was more pronounced in the EG (64.6 ± 11.0°) in comparison to the CG (48.5 ± 17.7° on the 3rd PO; p < 0.05). In addition, less pain was observed in the EG (0 [0–0.2] versus 2 [0.7–3] in the CG on the 3rd PO; p < 0.05). Conclusion: A standardized physiotherapy protocol appears to be better than a non-standardized physiotherapy protocol for acute improvement of range of motion of hip flexion and for reducing pain in patients undergoing ABG.

• Bone grafting
• cleft lip
• cleft palate
• pediatrics
• physical therapy modalities

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Márcia Zavaski Sabatella (in memoriam) for her effort in attempting to provide a better physiotherapy service at the HRAC-USP and for her support during the development of this study. Furthermore, we are thankful to Dr. José Alberto de Souza Freitas (Tio Gastão) for enabling the accomplishment of “impossible dreams” and for transforming the lives of patients with cleft lip and palate.

Declaration of interest

All the authors state that no financial or other potential conflicts of interest exist.