Waiting Time and Focus of Physical Therapy for Children with Cerebral Palsy in Saudi Arabia: Parents’ Report

<b>Background:</b> Physical therapy is crucial in the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy (CP), aiming to enhance motor function, postural control, and functional independence. <b>Objective:</b> The study explored the current physical therapy interventions for children with CP in Saudi Arabia, including waiting time, the most used interventions, the focus of therapy, and parents' desired goals. <b>Methods:</b> A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 215 children with CP (aged 6 months to 18.2 years). Face-to-face surveys were conducted to collect data on CP classification (based on the Gross Motor Function Classification System), age at first referral, types of interventions used, intervention goals, and parents' desired goals for their children. <b>Results:</b> Children with severe CP (non-ambulators) received physical therapy services significantly earlier than those with milder involvement (ambulators). The most commonly used interventions were therapeutic exercises and home exercises, followed by standing frames. Hydrotherapy was the least utilized intervention. The focus of therapy was mainly on joints and muscles, as well as mobility and transfers. <b>Conclusions:</b> The study underscores the need to identify and refer children with CP for physical therapy. The findings suggest further investigation into barriers to utilizing certain interventions like hydrotherapy and emphasize the need for more inclusive goal-setting processes in the rehabilitation of children with CP based on both physical therapy and parent perspectives.