Physiotherapy Rehabilitation in a 7-Year-old Male with Gait Impairment and Developmental Regression: A Case Report

Abstract

This case report describes a 7-year-old male with gait impairment, frequent falls, and gross motor regression since age 4, despite normal early developmental milestones. Clinical findings included scissoring gait, bilateral lower limb hypotonia, proximal weakness, dystonic right-hand movements, and upgoing plantar reflexes, with normal neuroimaging. Differential diagnoses included cerebral palsy, hereditary spastic paraplegia, dopa-responsive dystonia, and proximal myopathy. Physiotherapy interventions focused on balance, strengthening, gait re-education, and functional independence. After a structured program (45 minutes per session, 5 days/week for 12 weeks), the child demonstrated measurable improvements in GMFM (71.78%), functional independence (FIM: 88), and gait stability, with reduced falls and improved ADL participation. This case highlights diagnostic challenges in pediatric motor disorders and underscores the essential role of physiotherapy in optimizing function despite diagnostic uncertainty.