Recent Developments in Healthcare for CP: Implications and Opportunities for Orthotics

A conference convened by the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) reviewed the evidence for the physical management of cerebral palsy (CP). Papers presented at the meeting included a global health perspective, definition and classification of CP, classification of gait in CP, and reviews of physiotherapy, occupational therapy and medical, surgical and orthotic management. Small group and plenary discussions resulted in wide ranging conclusions and recommendations.

The report of the conference, titled Recent Developments in Healthcare for Cerebral Palsy: Implications and Opportunities for Orthotics, is available free of charge at www.ispoweb.org The report contains the background to the conference, manuscripts of all the papers, and the conclusions and recommendations. Notwithstanding the focus on implications for orthotics, the content provides a valuable resource for anyone providing or researching health services for people with CP.

The ISPO intends to use the report as an educational resource for further instructional courses and disseminate the information as broadly as possible with the aim of improving the health care of people with CP worldwide.