Pediatric Therapeutic Interventions Flashcards

Which intervention principle is most important for a child with osteogenesis imperfecta type III?

Answer: Careful handling that avoids torsional forces, with aquatic and protected weight-bearing activities

Children with OI need safe handling to avoid fractures, plus aquatic and protected weight-bearing activity to build strength and bone health.

During an acute flare of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, which PT approach is most appropriate for an inflamed knee?

Answer: Gentle active ROM, joint protection, and resting splints as needed

During active inflammation, the focus is maintaining motion gently, protecting the joint, and resting it, without resistance.

An infant with Erb's palsy (C5-C6) rests in shoulder adduction and internal rotation, elbow extension, and forearm pronation. Which intervention priority is most appropriate?

Answer: Maintain passive shoulder external rotation and abduction with scapular stabilization

Preventing internal rotation contracture and posterior glenohumeral subluxation requires gentle ER/abduction ROM with the scapula stabilized.

A child with myelomeningocele at the L4-L5 level most likely needs which orthotic setup for ambulation?

Answer: Ankle-foot orthoses, with or without forearm crutches

With hip flexors and quadriceps intact, children with low-lumbar lesions usually walk in the community with AFOs, sometimes with crutches.

Current evidence about introducing power mobility to young children with significant motor impairments supports which statement?

Answer: It can be introduced around the age peers begin moving independently (about 12-24 months), without strict cognitive prerequisites

Early power mobility supports self-directed exploration and development, and readiness prerequisites are no longer required.

For long-term retention of a new motor skill such as stair negotiation, which practice schedule is generally best?

Answer: Random or variable practice

Random and variable practice lowers performance during acquisition but improves retention and transfer through contextual interference.

Which feedback strategy best supports motor learning in school-age children?

Answer: Reduced-frequency (faded) feedback emphasizing knowledge of results

Fading feedback frequency prevents dependence on it and improves retention.