Physical therapy as a determinant of change in the cerebral palsied infant.

Twenty-four children under 18 months of age with an initial diagnosis of cerebral palsy were observed for minimum of six months on either experimental or control physical therapy programs using a double-blind study design. Medical and therapy evaluations indicated definite changes in motor, social, and management areas for those subjected to the experimental procedure and particularly among children expected to show higher intelligence. Change is found to be somewhat correlated with age at entry to the study and is more often associated with less actual treatment time. Findings suggest the need for additional treatment modalities for the youngest children who are most likely to have the greatest global involvement.