Intensive Physiotherapy to Improve Motor Skills in Children and Young Adults With Posterior Fossa Tumors

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of conventional and intensive physiotherapy to improve gross motor skills such as posture, walking, and balance in children and young adults affected by posterior fossa tumors. These tumors are located in the cranial posterior fossa, and surgery to remove them can lead to ataxia, a condition affecting coordination and movement. The study aims to provide evidence on motor rehabilitation for this group, which currently lacks sufficient scientific data. The study focuses on intensive physiotherapy defined as two 45-minute sessions daily, five days a week, over four weeks. This therapy is personalized to each participants needs and mainly targets gross motor function and balance improvement. Conventional physiotherapy is provided one-on-one without the use of robotic or virtual reality devices, although treadmill training is allowed. The interventions are observed without randomization or placebo. Participants will be assessed at enrollment and after four weeks of treatment using several measures the Gross Motor Function Measure GMFM to evaluate overall motor skills, the WeeFIM or FIM for daily living autonomy, the Pediatric Balance Scale for fall risk, the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia, the six-minute walking test for walking endurance, and gait analysis. These evaluations help track progress and safety throughout the study period ending in January 2026.

Intensive Physiotherapy in Children Affected by Posterior Fossa Tumors