Because clinicians are introducing joint mobilization into treatment programs
for children with cerebral palsy, we felt that a review of the procedure and its scientific
basis would be timely. i%e goals of the introductory section of this article
are to define joint mobilization as it has been used for adults with musculoskeletal
disabilities, to discuss various rationales for its effects, to describe cmaindications
andprecautions for its use, and to discuss its em as reported in the
research literature. i%e latter part of the article deals with the use of joint mobilization
fm children with central nmus system (CNS) disorders. In an effm to
umiktandprecautions fm the use of joint mobilization in children, musculoskeletal
development will be described both fm ty~ically developing children and
fm chiIdren with spastic cerebral palsy. Indications fm using joint mobilization
techniques in children with spasticity will be outlined. Speczfi neurodevelopmental
disabilities for which joint mobilization wouu be sn-ongly contraindicated will
be listed. Finally, future research directions in evaluating reliability of assessment
of joint dysfunction and eficaq of joint mobilization in children will be discussed
[Harris SR, Lundgren BD. Joint mobilization fm children with central nervous
system disorders: indications and precautions