Two systematic reviews by Frank et al published in the May issue
of Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine provide an overview of the
effectiveness of conceptual approaches, additional therapies,
and basic techniques used in lower limb physical therapy in
children with cerebral palsy (CP). For both systematic reviews,
the authors searched 5 electronic databases, extracting
literature published between 1995 and 2009. Studies were
evaluated using the framework recommended by the American
Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM),
which classifies outcomes according to the International
Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).
Three independent evaluators rated the strength of evidence of
the effects according to the AACPDM levels of evidence
classification, and the quality of the studies according to the
AACPDM conduct score system. One systematic review included 37
studies that used conceptual approaches (neurodevelopmental
treatment [NDT], conductive education, Vojta therap