Physiotherapy Interventions for Children and Young People with Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objectives
Children with neurodevelopmental disorders make up a significant proportion of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) population. Early identification of children at risk for developing mental and physical co-morbidities and appropriate multidisciplinary management, including physiotherapy, is vital to improve health outcomes. The primary aim of this systematic review was to clarify the evidence available around the application of physiotherapeutic interventions within CAMHS populations presenting with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Methods
A systematic review of randomised controlled trials exploring physiotherapeutic interventions for children and young people (aged 5–18 years) with neurodevelopmental disorders was conducted.

Results
Meta-analysis demonstrated a significant total effect favouring physiotherapeutic intervention for improving postural stability in children and young people with Developmental Coordination Disorder(DCD) (WMD 4.27 [95% CI 1.87, 6.68]; p = 0.0005). Additionally, children with DCD, Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Dyslexia, and Intellectual Disabilities were found to see improvements in motor proficiency; muscle strength; self-concept, participation, and function; behaviour; respiratory function; and gait from primarily exercise as well as other physiotherapeutic interventions.

Conclusions
For children and young people presenting to CAMHS with neurodevelopmental disorders, physiotherapeutic interventions can be applied to improve a variety of health outcomes, however, the evidence to support this is of low quality.