Impact of Activity-Based Therapy on Respiratory Outcomes in a Medically Complex Child

This case report describes how activity-based therapy (ABT) improved the respiratory function of a young child with a severe spinal cord injury. The child, who also had prematurity and other health issues, was able to reduce his reliance on a ventilator and improve his overall development through ABT. The therapy involved locomotor training and neuromuscular electrical stimulation, which helped him gain better head and trunk control, leading to improved breathing and quality of life.

• 1
  Activity-based therapy (ABT) led to significant improvements in respiratory capacity, reducing ventilator dependency and improving respiratory health in a child with cervical SCI.
• 2
  The patient developed better head and upper trunk control, which contributed to improved respiratory function.
• 3
  The child demonstrated gains in multiple domains of development, including social, cognitive, and behavioral aspects, alongside improvements in trunk control and respiratory function.