Effect of Motor Intervention for Infants and Toddlers With Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Purpose: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of motor intervention on motor function of infants and toddlers with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods: Four databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of motor interventions for children with or at high risk of CP younger than 36 months. Studies were excluded if less than 50% of children developed CP.

Results: Eleven RCTs included 363 children; 85% diagnosed with CP. Very low-quality evidence supports that: (1) task-specific motor training was more effective than standard care for improving motor function (small effect), (2) constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) may be more effective than bimanual play or massage for improving function of the more affected hand (moderate effect), and high-intensity treadmill training is no more effective than low-intensity for improving walking.

Conclusions: Very low-quality evidence supports that task-specific motor training and CIMT may improve motor function of infants and toddlers with CP.The Supplemental Digital Content Video Abstract is available at: http://links.lww.com/PPT/A382 .