Cardio Respiratory Physiotherapy Management in Rett’s Syndrome-literature Review

Rett syndrome was identified by Dr.Andreas Rett, an Austrian physician in 1966. It is a neurological disease characterized by arrest of brain development caused by X chromosome mutation that commonly affect girls. The condition is a combination of orthopedics, neurological and cardio respiratory symptoms and most of the people die because respiratory dysfunction. Though medications are used for breathing irregularities, heart abnormalities and seizures, Physiotherapy interventions play an important role in prolonging mobility, preventing cardio respiratory complications and structural abnormalities there by increasing the life span of Rett syndrome survivors. This study intends to review the literature that emphasizes the importance of cardio respiratory physiotherapy for Rett syndrome. Results suggest physiotherapy plays an important role in Rett syndrome especially in cardio respiratory condition. Treadmill and Hydrotherapy were found to be effective for cardio respiratory problem in Rett syndrome.