The long-term effects of conductive education courses in young children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To assess the additional long-term effects of multiple conductive education (CE) courses followed by conventional practice on functional skills and quality of life in children with cerebral palsy (CP) compared to a 4-month CE-course delay including conventional practice.

METHODS

Twenty-one children with CP, 3-6 years and varied functional levels, were randomized to 3-week CE course(s) followed by conventional practice or 4 months on a waiting list, including conventional practice and followed by CE-courses. Outcomes were measured 8 and 12 months after baseline. A web-based log collected data on conventional practice.

RESULTS

We found no interaction between group assignment and time on functional skills and quality of life in children with CP at 8 and 12 months. Two thirds of the children in both groups performed a large amount of conventional practice.

CONCLUSIONS

No added long-term effects of CE courses were found. Larger controlled CE studies are needed.