Effectiveness of Physical Therapy Interventions in Children with Brachial Plexus Birth Injury: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Aim: To systematically review the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions in infants, children and adolescents with brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI).

Methods: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials including patients under 18 years old with BPBI was conducted on Medline, Cochrane, Embase, Amed and Pedro databases. Methodological quality was assessed by the PEDro score and quality of evidence by the GRADE system. The primary outcomes measured were range of motion, muscle strength and bone mineral density.

Results: Seven studies were included, two in infant and 5 in children, of 932 title and abstracts screened. The interventions, characteristics of the participants and outcomes were diverse. The largest effect was found when other intervention was combined with conventional physical therapy in the primary outcomes, with low quality of evidence.

Conclusion: Physical therapy interventions alone or in combination with other treatment modalities are effective in improving short-term disabilities in children with BPBI.

Keywords: Brachial plexus birth injury; Erb’s palsy; Klumpke’s palsy; physical therapy; rehabilitation; systematic review.