ASPECTS OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN THE REHABILITATION SYSTEM OF CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

Abstract

An urgent problem in the treatment of children with cerebral palsy is the systematization of indications for occupational therapy and the selection of strategies for the limitations of vital activity of children with cerebral palsy (CP).

According to modern scientific sources, the effective principles of physical rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy are the use of occupational therapy strategies within the framework of the biopsychosocial model of providing assistance to children in the early stages of life, which contributes to the restoration of motor, cognitive functions due to neuroplasticity and stimulation of sensorimotor communication.

Based on the analysis of modern scientific research and clinical recommendations, to systematize data on the impact of indications and methods of occupational therapy as part of interdisciplinary therapy of children with cerebral palsy.

Analysis and generalization of data from scientific, methodological and special literature, documentary materials, information resources regarding methods of physical rehabilitation in children with cerebral palsy and the use of occupational therapy interventions in a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach. In modern rehabilitation programs for children with cerebral palsy, occupational therapy is used fragmentarily, while world experience shows its effectiveness in the development of motor functions, everyday skills and sensory integration.

Analysis of recent studies has shown the effectiveness of therapeutic approaches based on the principles of early intervention, sensory integration, occupational activity, family-centeredness and patient-centeredness, taking into account motor disorders and concomitant problems of a child with cerebral palsy and the mandatory nature of a multidisciplinary approach in occupational therapy management. The use of modern methods of occupational therapy intervention for CP, based on standardized assessment methods, consistent with the principles and goals of occupational therapy support for children with CP, focused on adaptation to the child's environment, psychoeducation of parents, is recommended as providing a positive prognosis for the neurodevelopment and social integration of a child with CP.

Effective interventions at the level of activity are identified and recommended, which have common key components: starting with the child's goal; optimizing motivation and relevance of activity; practice of real actions in the natural environment to optimize the child's learning and variability of practice; intensive repetitions to activate neuroplasticity, including home activity; practice focused on the "right challenge" to achieve success in terms of independent problem solving.

 Occupational activity according to conceptual models of occupational therapy is recommended as effective for performance or involvement in activities. Children with CP of all types and severity are recommended a goal-oriented approach with a specific task and additional rehabilitation tools to improve self-care skills.

1. Data from systematic reviews confirm the role of occupational therapy interventions for the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy.

2. The use of occupational therapy programs for CP, based on a set of modern evidence-based therapeutic methods based on the principles of early intervention, sensory integration, occupational activity, family-centeredness and patient-centeredness, takes into account the motor disorders and concomitant problems of the child with CP. promotes the functional independence of these children.