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DIAGNOSIS AND INITIAL FUNCTIONAL ABILITIES
Jarrod is an 8-year old boy born with cerebral palsy. He had minimal strength, range of motion, and gross motor
control in both legs, back, and left arm. He wears ankle braces on each leg.
Upon his first visit to a CORA Rehabilitation Clinic he
walked with a hyperextension of the upper and lower back to help maintain balance. His knees knocked together
when he walked and extended past a normal range. While walking, he had difficulty in lifting his legs forward
and to shift weight from side to side. Jarrod's gait was slow and running was impossible. He required the use
of a walker to participate in gym class. The patient's standing balance was non-functional.
GOALS
Jarrod was referred to CORA's Neuro Therapeutics Program with a goal to improve standing balance, to reduce gait
dysfunction, and to improve use of his upper extremities.
PROGRAM
After completing a thorough evaluation, the treatment team established Jarrod as a good candidate for the program.
During his evaluation, he showed an excellent response to the surface EMG monitoring. Subsequently, an
individualized treatment plan was developed and included:
- EMG biofeedback to help Jarrod establish more functional neuro pathways to the muscles in his legs and back.
- Physical Therapy to help Jarrod learn to use these new neuro pathways for improved muscle
strength and function.
OUTCOME
Jarrod has made significant progress with this integrated treatment approach. After 16 treatment sessions of EMG
Biofeedback and physical therapy, he now walks with a straighter neck and back, has decreased scissoring (knees
coming together in gait), improved weight shift and improved speed.
With improved balance Jarrod began to walk backwards for the first time in his life and to run for the first time, without falling.
Jarrod is now independent on outdoor, uneven surfaces
and participates in gym without his walker. Fatigue and muscle weakness remain an issue, (his ability to run with
his classmates and his brother has excited him) and his balance, walking and running are not yet perfect, but much
more functional and safe.
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