Continued ambulation gains through high school in a student with cerebral palsy: a case report.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this case report is to describe school-based physical therapy services received throughout high school by a student with diplegic cerebral palsy and to share her functional gains.

KEY POINTS: This previously discharged 15-year-old freshman was re-referred due to a perceived walking regression using long-leg braces/reverse rolling walker and her desire to again try crutches. She subsequently resumed walking, typically 4 days per week at school and progressed to axillary crutches on level surfaces and stairs. Gross Motor Function Measure scores increased from 66.4% freshman year to 78.8% senior year, with the greatest dimension changes in standing (35.9%-69.2%) and walking, running, and jumping (8.3%-25.0%).

CONCLUSION

School-based physical therapists are uniquely positioned to work with students in natural environments to optimize activity and participation. This report shows that continued ambulation gains in individuals with cerebral palsy are possible throughout adolescence.