BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are frequently referred for physical therapy, yet the effectiveness of treatment has not been well-documented. In the relatively few available studies, outcomes are divided between support and lack of support for treatment. The purpose of this research was to document and evaluate the effects of a physical therapy program on the reaching movements of children with spastic CP. SUBJECTS: Eight children with CP, 10 to 15 years of age, were treated daily for 5 days with a version of neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) and for 5 days with practice of reaching tasks. METHODS: Changes in movement time, path, and smoothness of reach were quantified and described using kinematic analysis. RESULTS: There were no differences in any of the variables following 5 days of NDT. There was a difference in movement time, but in no other variables, following 5 days of practice. When time in treatment, rather than type of treatment, was the independent variable, the data showed changes. Both movement time and movement units were reduced following 5 days of treatment. Movement time, movement units, and displacement, but not reaction time, were reduced following the completion of both types of treatment. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION: The two treatments in combination may be necessary to achieve these results. Alternatively, either treatment type alone, when given for at least 2 weeks, may produce similar results.

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