Advancing Mobility: Case Study on Neurodevelopmental Therapy for Improving Standing and Walking in Child with Global Developmental Delay

Abstract

Introduction: A child's growth and development are categorized into physical growth and developmental progress. Developmental delay occurs when a child experiences physical, cognitive, behavioral, emotional, or social delays. When delays involve more than two developmental domains, such as fine motor, gross motor, language, social, cognitive, and daily activities, it is classified as global developmental delay (GDD). Encephalitis is brain inflammation that can disrupt early neurological development, leading to developmental impairments.

Method: This case of GDD was treated using neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) techniques, including facilitating standing from a sitting position to walking, upright stimulation with toys, and assisted walking on an incline.

Results: After four therapy sessions, improvements were observed in upright standing activities, with the child standing for 1 minute at T1 and increasing to 3 minutes at T4. Walking on an incline also improved, with no willingness to stop at T1 but a willingness to stop for 10 seconds at T4. However, there was no improvement in the parachute reflex or functional activity as measured by the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM).

Conclusion: Significant improvement in children with special needs cannot be achieved with only four therapy sessions. Consistent, long-term therapy is required to achieve the desired outcomes, with family support playing a crucial role, as children spend more time with their families than in therapy.

Keywords: global developmental delay, encephalitis, neurodevelopmental treatment, gross motor function measure