Early Intervention in Cerebral Palsy: Perception-Action vs Neurodevelopmental Therapy

The Perception-Action Approach is grounded in ecological, dynamic systems, and neural group selection theories, emphasizing perception-action coupling and supporting the child's overall development through self-initiated actions.

The intervention promotes variability, adaptability, and exploration in an enriched environment. Therapists primarily structure the environment to encourage independent discovery of functional solutions rather than using hands-on facilitation.

Activities are individualized to support variability, adaptability, and functional problem-solving. Informational touch may be used as task-consistent input to enhance perception of the relationship between the body and environment, inviting new movement possibilities without guiding movement. Variability and adaptability are prioritized over a single ideal movement pattern, and errors are considered part of learning. Sessions are conducted once weekly for 12 weeks (45 minutes each).

Participants receive physiotherapy based on Neurodevelopmental Therapy (Bobath), a holistic and individualized approach to neurorehabilitation. The intervention focuses on the analysis and facilitation of functional movement within meaningful activities to improve participation. Assessment and treatment are closely integrated, with therapy continuously adapted based on the child's responses.

Active participation of the child is emphasized. Therapists may use hands-on facilitation, including key points of control, to support alignment, postural organization, and the regulation of muscle tone, aiming to improve the quality of movement during functional tasks. Activities are individualized and embedded in functional contexts, with assistance adapted to the child's needs. Sessions are conducted once weekly for 12 weeks (45 minutes each).