Physiotherapeutic processes of recreational or competitive sports initiation in children with spina bifida

Abstract

Introduction: spine bifida is a congenital malformation that involves incomplete closure of the spinal column. As the spinal cord does not develop normally, the result is irreversible damage, with involvement at different levels, requiring a multi and transdisciplinary approach. Studies estimate the global incidence between 3.5 and 24.3 per 10,000 pregnancies. According to the World Health Organization, in Costa Rica there is a prevalence of spina bifida of 2.95 per 10,000 births. Regarding the practice of physical activity, this is considered an essential aspect of the quality of life of any individual. In adapted sport or para sport, athletes are grouped by functionality into sport classes. The contents of the original sports are modified according to the remaining motor and sensory function of the children, allowing the practice of various sports modalities of the person with disabilities. The objective of this review is to establish the role of the physical therapist in the recreational or competitive sports initiation of children with spina bifida. Methods: qualitative bibliographic review study of scientific articles found in PubMed, Scielo, Redalyc and Dialnet. Articles published in Spanish and English during the period 2015-2021 were included, using descriptors related to sports initiation in children with spina bifida and physiotherapy approach. Results: through evidence-based, adapted traditional and innovative physiotherapeutic techniques, significant advances can be achieved in areas such as independent locomotion, eye-hand coordination and trunk control, fundamental physiotherapeutic objectives in the sports initiation process in children with spina bifida. Conclusions: early and continuous physiotherapy intervention in children with spina bifida has a favorable impact on the development of physical and cognitive abilities, necessary for sports initiation.