Short-Term Effects of A Neurophysiotherapy Program On Gross Motor Function In A Child With Dravet Syndrome

Introduction: Dravet syndrome can be defined as epileptic encephalopathy, which consequently leads to progressive disturbances in brain function. Children with Dravet syndrome, among other things, have difficulties in developing gross motor function. According to available data, there are currently no published studies and evidence-based neurophysiotherapy regarding the efficacy of contemporary neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) in improving gross motor function in children with Dravet syndrome. Methods: We conducted a case study where we used the mixed methods research paradigm, more specifically the convergence model, and investigated the effectiveness of 6-month NDT on improving gross motor function in a child with Dravet syndrome. In the quantitative part of the case study, we performed a retrospective analysis of the quantitative results of the gross motor function scale (GMFM-88). In the qualitative part of the case study, we conducted a semi-structured interview with the subject’s mother and physiotherapist. Results: Based on the analysis of the results of an existing case study using the mixed methods in a child with Dravet syndrome, we find that this neurophysiotherapy program is effective in improving motor function in all target areas A-lying and rolling, B-sitting, C- crawling and kneeling, D -standing, E-walking, running, jumping). Conclusions: The existing case study provides us with clinically relevant information on the functional progress of a child with Dravet syndrome in the field of gross motor skills when receiving a neurophysiotherapy program.