HIPPOTHERAPY IN CEREBRAL PALSY - SURVEY RESEARCH.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To assess the effects of a one-year hippotherapy programme on the physical and mental functioning of children with cerebral palsy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The study included 15 children with cerebral palsy whose mean age was 9 years. The children participated in hippotherapy ses¬sions at the Rehabilitation Centre in Rusinowice (one-year observation). The clinical presentation was dominated by manifestations of motor and postural abnormalities caused by central nervous system damage. A survey questionnaire was used in the study to collect information about problems associated with everyday life and functioning. RESULTS: Results: The results obtained in this study showed that spastic CP was the most common form of the disorder, affecting 8 out of 15 children (53%). It was followed by mixed CP (40%, 6 children). Among the respondents, 67% (10 people) were already familiar with hippotherapy whereas 33% did not know this method. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: There was a strong correlation between being familiar with effects of hippotherapy and the level of education of the parent/guardian. This result had a moderate influence on the frequency of hippotherapy sessions. Systematic hippotherapy sessions helped improve physical fitness and everyday functioning in children with cerebral palsy.

EFFECTS OF SENSORY INTEGRATION THERAPY ON SELECTED FITNESS SKILLS IN AUTISTIC CHILDREN.

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder characterised by abnormal development in the first two years of life and impairment with respect to the following three areas: social interactions, communication, and behaviour. The disorder is more common in males than females. The aim: The study was conducted to assess the effects of sensory integration therapy on selected fitness skills in autistic children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Material and methods: The study assessed a group of 20 children (15 boys and 5 girls) aged 3 to 10 years. All children were diagnosed with autism and underwent 2-year therapy. The children showed impaired sensory modulation with abnormal stimulus reception and processing in the tactile, auditory, vestibular (balance), olfactory, and gustatory sensory systems. The study assessed fitness skills and their correlations with sensory integration therapy used in the children. The assessment used the Sensorimotor Development Questionnaire developed by Zbigniew Przyrowski and selected tests from "Obserwacja Kliniczna" as well as history-taking conducted with the parents. The following aspects were analysed: muscle tone, static balance, dynamic balance, jumping on two legs, jumping on one leg, catching and throwing a ball, and self-care activities, such as putting on shoes. RESULTS: Results: Sensory integration therapy contributed to an improvement in motor, sensory, cognitive, emotional, communication, and social development in the study patients. CONCLUSION: Conclusion: The use of sensory integration effectively supports sensory processes in autistic children.

Cerebral palsy: clinical and social problems.

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: Cerebral palsy / MPD/is a motor and postural disorder caused by permanent brain damage that occurred at an early stage of development. Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of disability in children. The aim: To present cerebral palsy as a clinical problem and to outline the importance of physiotherapy in the treatment of cerebral palsy patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The study included 67 children with cerebral palsy (mean age was 9 years) treated and followed up for 6 months at the "Górka" Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Hospital in Busko Zdrój. The clinical presentation was dominated by manifestations of motor and postural abnormalities resulting from upper motor neuron and corticospinal tract damage. A diagnostic survey was used as the research method. The physiotherapy and rehabilitation used in the patients consisted of kinesiotherapy (usually Bobath/NDT) and physical therapy procedures (magnetic stimulation, laser therapy, LED light therapy). The study used a survey questionnaire that collected information about problems with everyday life and functioning of cerebral palsy patients and opinions about their rehabilitation programme. RESULTS: Results: Follow-up data were analysed in patient groups, which were created based on the method of ambulation in children with cerebral palsy. The results emphasise the role of physiotherapy in the rehabilitation of cerebral palsy patients. Systematic motor rehabilitation contributed to an improved physical fitness and better everyday functioning. Parents of children walking with aids reported having problems with access to specialist healthcare, which resulted from the fact that they did not live close enough to an appropriate centre. Parents of non-ambulatory patients reported that they lacked financial means and parents of children who were able to walk unassisted complained of long waiting times for rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: 1. MPD is a difficult clinical and social problem. 2. Physical improvement procedures is an essential element in the treatment of this group of patients.