Rehab for Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy in NZ

A survey of physiotherapists

By Dr Nichola Wilson

The survey of physiotherapists is part of a larger project funded by the Starship Foundation.

As part of a larger Starship Foundation funded project looking at Rehabilitation Following Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) in New Zealand, a purpose developed survey of physiotherapists was conducted (July-September 2020).

A total of 21 responses were received, five were excluded for incomplete data resulting in 16 responses.

Physiotherapists had seen on average 2 (range 1 to 6) children for post-SDR rehabilitation in the last 5 years. 

The focus for post-SDR therapy sessions was strengthening (n=10), functional activities (n=9) and gait re-training (n=8). 

Physiotherapists were involved in providing rehabilitation from 1-24 months post-SDR, with wide variation in the frequency of sessions.

The majority of responses (n=11) felt their workplace was not adequately resourced to provide required rehabilitation post-SDR, two indicated their workplace was resourced and one response was unsure.

All participants indicated that best practice guidelines on post-SDR rehabilitation would be useful.

Prior to recent travel restrictions there were a rising number of New Zealand families travelling overseas for SDR operations. 

This study found that physiotherapists do not feel well-resourced to provide the rehabilitation following this surgery, with considerable variability in the number of therapy sessions provided and
supports the need for New Zealand specific guidelines.

Click here for more information on CP related research projects from Starship Children’s Hospital. 

This article was originally published in the September to December edition of The Review magazine.

For more information:
Melanie Louden
Communications Manager
melanie@cpsociety.org.nz
Mobile: 022 087 8191