Intensive Rehabilitation Program With Task-oriented Therapy After Low-burden Orthopedic Surgery in a Child With Cerebral Palsy: A Single-case Experimental Design

Background: Children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) often undergo orthopedic surgery for muscle contractures, followed by rehabilitation to restore mobility.Evidence on intensive rehabilitation with task-oriented therapy (TOT) after low-burden orthopedic surgery is limited.Objects: This study examined the effects of a 16-week intensive rehabilitation program incorporating TOT in a child with spastic CP who received hamstring and adductor lengthening.Methods: A single-case experimental design was used.Assessments included range of motion (ROM), the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), and the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ).The participant received structured rehabilitation with TOT 5 times per week for 16 weeks.Results: Improvements were observed in hip abduction ROM, popliteal angle, GMFM, and CHAQ.A previously unachievable task, reaching a walker and walking to a sofa, became independently achievable, representing a meaningful gain in functional mobility. Conclusion:Intensive rehabilitation with TOT after low-burden orthopedic surgery may yield clinically meaningful improvements in motor function and daily activity performance, and support greater independence in children with CP.