Behavior therapy in a gait-training program for a child with myelomeningocele. A case report. Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • A behavior therapy program consisting of positive reinforcement contingent upon walking with braces and crutches was conducted with a four and one-half-year-old child with myelomeningocele. Behavioral physical therapy was begun first in the clinic setting and then in the home. Follow-up clinic assessments document maintenance of functionally independent ambulation over a seven-month period. The results support the efficacy of using behavioral techniques in a physical therapy program for a child with myelomeningocele. The need for further research and development of physical therapy programs using behavioral techniques is briefly discussed.

published proceedings

  • Phys Ther

author list (cited authors)

  • Manella, K. J., & Varni, J. W.

citation count

  • 10

complete list of authors

  • Manella, KJ||Varni, JW

publication date

  • September 1981