Improvement of Gross Motor Function Through Collaborative Goal Setting and Daily Life-based Intervention in a Child with Hemiplegia Following a Third Ventricular Tumor: A Case Report

Abstract

This case report aimed to identify practical strategies and challenges that emerged during the collaborative rehabilitation involving a physiotherapist and the child’s family, based on her clinical practice. A 2-year-old girl developed right hemiplegia following cerebral infarction caused by a third ventricular tumor. Upon hospital admission, her Brunnstrom stage was II in both right upper and lower extremities, and she required full assistance for mobility. During standing practice with her family, she frequently cried, indicating considerable distress. Over a 2-month hospitalization period, the physiotherapist and the child’s mother collaboratively set specific goals and implemented interventions that incorporated targeted movements into daily activities and play. These interventions were intended to support families in incorporating therapeutic activities into their daily routines. The family reported improved satisfaction regarding goal achievement and the development of gross motor function.
This case suggests that collaboration between physiotherapists and family members, through shared goal-setting and integration of goals into daily activities and play, can improve both goal satisfaction and the child’s gross motor development.
Such collaboration may enhance family engagement and provide a meaningful framework for pediatric rehabilitation of children with cancer-related impairments.