Evidence on physiotherapeutic interventions for adults with cerebral palsy is sparse. A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES To identify evidence evaluating the effectiveness of physiotherapy in adolescents (>16 years of age) and adults with cerebral palsy. DATA SOURCES Systematic literature search from the earliest available time until March 2009. Additional studies were identified through reference and citation tracking. REVIEW METHODS Two reviewers independently agreed on eligibility, methodological quality and quality of evidence assessment. Standard methods were used for quality assessments. RESULTS Included were 13 studies, two of which were randomized controlled trials. No article met the criteria for high methodological quality. Evidence of moderate quality was found on gait after strength training. Evidence of low quality was found on balance after strength training and workstation interventions. Low-quality evidence was also found on functionality after strength training in four studies evaluating gross motor capacity. There was very low-quality evidence on increased muscle strength and in outcome measures used to evaluate range of motion. CONCLUSION Evidence for the effect of physiotherapy on adolescents and adults with cerebral palsy is sparse, and therefore there is an urgent need for well-designed physiotherapeutic trials for these people.