Physical therapy associated with animal assisted therapy in child with cerebral palsy: case study

Abstract

Introduction: Canine therapy, as well as other animals used for therapeutic purposes, makes physical therapy more pleasant and is associated with benefits in posture and movement, body scheme, motor coordination and functionality in activities of daily living. Objective: We sought to investigate the effect of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) on balance, functionality and postural symmetry of a child with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Methods: One six-year-old child in physical therapy intervention based on AAT. For the level of fine and gross motor skills, the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) was used, for activities of daily living, the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) and for postural balance, the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS). Postural alignment was evaluated by photogrammetry and posture analysis was performed using the software for postural assessment (SAPO). Results: There was an improvement in functionality, static and dynamic balance, body alignment in the coronal plane, identifying changes in body symmetry of the body segments and sagittal plane, with displacement of the neck, trunk and hip axes. Conclusion: The intervention with the dog had positive effects on the functional abilities of a child with CP, being the therapeutic strategy effective in balance, either in the maintenance of posture and/or movement, with greater functional independence, and therefore, less need for supervision.