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Aims: Typical infant movement is characterized by a high degree of motor exploration, error, and variability. However, children with cerebral palsy (CP) often cannot create these experiences due to their neuromotor impairments. The purpose of this case study is to describe a 6-month course of physical therapy (PT) incorporating principles of infant motor learning using dynamic weight support (DWS) in a child with CP., Methods: The child was a 27-month-old girl with diplegic CP who functioned at Gross Motor Function Classification System Level IV. The child received 68 PT sessions over a six-month period. DWS was used during therapy to encourage motor practice. The therapy area was arranged to encourage active exploration, motor variability, and error experience. Gross motor function, postural control, parent perception of performance, and parent satisfaction were measured before, during, and after the course of therapy., Results: Gross motor function increased during the treatment beyond the level predicted from natural progression. Postural control fluctuated and demonstrated no appreciable improvement. Parent-perceived performance and satisfaction improved on three of four goals., Conclusions: Using DWS to incorporate principles of infant learning may have facilitated the development of gross motor skills in a child with diplegic CP.

Purpose : The purpose of this research was to investigate differences in Early Clinical Assessment of Balance (ECAB) scores within children with cerebral palsy (CP) with different Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels and between children with CP and typical development (TD) who are under three years of age. Methods : The ECAB was administered to fifty children (13 with TD, 16 with GMFCS level II, 11 with GMFCS level III, 10 with GMFCS level III). Results : The group of children of TD had significantly higher scores than all groups of children with CP. There were significant differences in ECAB within the groups of children with CP with different GMFCS levels. Conclusion : The results of this study support the construct validity of the ECAB as a measure of postural control in children under three years of age with CP.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe changes in linear and nonlinear measures of postural control along with motor outcomes in a young child with cerebral palsy., Summary of Key Points: Posturography in sitting and standing, the Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM-66), and the Early Clinical Assessment of Balance (ECAB) were performed prior to, during, and after physical therapy. The child demonstrated independent sitting throughout the study and developed independent standing during the study. He made improvements in the GMFM-66 and ECAB throughout the study. Higher average values were found in all linear and nonlinear measures in standing when compared to sitting, which may indicate less predictable movement due to less experience with standing., Recommendations for Clinical Practice: Greater variability and lower predictability in postural control likely reflect early stages of skill acquisition. Research is needed to understand the optimal levels of movement variability and predictability.

Purpose : The Early Clinical Assessment of Balance (ECAB) is a measure of postural stability for children with cerebral palsy (CP). The purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between the ECAB and Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM-66) and to determine the responsiveness of the ECAB in children with CP under three years of age. Methods : Twenty seven children (mean age of 25 months) participated. Data were collected before and after 3 and 6 months of physical therapy. Responsiveness was calculated using standardized response means (SRM). Results : Significant relationships were observed between the ECAB, GMFM-66 score (r = 0.87), and GMFM subscales (r = 0.63-0.86). A moderate effect size (SRM = 0.62) and a large effect size (SRM = 0.92) for the ECAB were found over the 3- and 6-month intervention periods, respectively. Conclusion : These results support the validity and responsiveness of the ECAB in young children with CP.