This treatment approach for CP is the one most widespread
and clinically accepted to target the central nervous and neuromuscular
systems and ‘teaching’ the brain to improve
motor performance skills and achieve ‘as near normal function
as possible’, in view of the specific lesion in the central
nervous system. The NDT method does not follow a strict protocol
of treatment, being oriented to reacting in real time to the tone and movement patterns of the patient. After a precise
determination of the treatment’s individual functional aims
(e.g. improved stability while sitting) and goals (e.g. walking or
riding tricycles), a structured programme was set for each
child. This programme included passive stretching of lower
limb muscles (e.g. hamstrings, gastrosoleus), followed by techniques
of reducing spasticity and facilitating more normal patterns
of movements while working on motor functions.
Functional motor activities included in each session were walking,
standing up from sitting and sitting on a bench. Children in
the NDT group were treated by physical therapists with at least
7 years of experience and trained by NDT basic and advanced
courses. The treatment was conducted in the same rehabilitation
centre for the 12 participants in this group.