MOVEMENT MILESTONES – “HOW PHYSIOTHERAPY ENHANCED MOTOR ABILITIES IN ANGELMAN SYNDROME – A CASE REPORT" Authors: Kumar AA , SARULATHA H* AND SURESH A
ABSTRACT
Background: Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare, neurogenic disorder signs of global developmental
delay, profound intellectual disability, ataxia, and epilepsy (found in approximately 80% of cases). Other
notable characteristics includes absence of speech, distinct behavioral patterns, sleep disturbances, a
cheerful disposition with frequent laughter, and hyperactivity. Evidence-based physiotherapy protocols
are increasingly used to manage deficiencies in trunk control, mobility, balance, and gait in individuals
with AS.
Aim: To evaluate the effect of a targeted physiotherapy protocol on motor function in a child with
Angelman syndrome.
Case Description: This case report details a 7-year-old girl with AS with significant challenges in gross
motor activities like independent trunk control, sitting and standing.
Methodology: A comprehensive & targeted physiotherapy regimen was designed using ICF model.
Evidence based intervention trunk stability, mobility and balance was administered over 36 sessions.
The treatment regimen involved trunk stability & mobility exercises, progressive balance exercises,
standing and gait training with support. The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) focusing the
C, D, and E Dimensions was used to evaluate the functional changes.
Conclusion: Findings from this case study indicate that a structured and targeted exercised can improve
the functional motor performance inspite of various system level constraints in children with Angelman
syndrome.
Keywords: Happy puppet, mobility, trunk control, Pediatric neurogenic disorders Publication date: 01/03/2026 https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2026/March/MS_IJBPAS_2026_9923.pdfDownload PDFhttps://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2026/15.3.9923