Current Practice of Physiotherapists in the Management of Children With Cerebral Palsy in Benin Country: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey.

backgroundIn low- and middle-income countries, physiotherapy is often the only available rehabilitative care, making the quality of physiotherapy care particularly important. However, how well physiotherapy practice in managing children with cerebral palsy (CP) is supported by evidence-based guidelines remains unclear. This study aims to describe the current practice of physiotherapists in managing children with CP in Benin, a French-speaking country in Sub-Saharan Africa.

methodsThis study used a cross-sectional online survey, addressed to physiotherapists working in Benin.

resultsA total of 91 physiotherapists participated in the study, 52 of whom worked with children with CP. One-third of the children with CP treated were under 2 years old. Physiotherapy sessions were delivered twice or thrice weekly and lasted 30-45 min. Most of the physiotherapists working with children with CP (63.5%) received no certified paediatric neurorehabilitation training. About 54% rarely or never used a standardized outcome measure, and 36.5% used such measures occasionally. CP-specific common classification systems were mostly unused and unknown. The most common intervention modalities were handling techniques (muscle stretching, joint mobilization and Bobath therapy [for movement normalization]), but functional exercises (milestones) were also commonly used. About 58% felt confident in the management of children with CP, and the need for training on modern approaches was stressed.

conclusionThe management of children with CP in Benin does not meet the standards of evidence-based practice. The results of this study will help develop strategies to improve the physiotherapy quality of care provided to children with CP in Benin and beyond.