19, June 2026

Enhancing Functional Independence Through Physiotherapy in Prader–Willi Syndrome: A Pediatric Case Study

VOLUME-10; ISSUE-6; JUNE-2026

Author(s): 1.Dr Trusha Nayak, 2.Dr. Riya Rathore, 3.Dr.Riya Pancholi, 4.Dr. Hemang Jani

Authors Affiliations:

1.Assistant Professor, SSIOP, Ganpat University, kherva, Mehsana Gujrat, India.

2.Assistant Professor, SSIOP, Ganpat University, kherva, Mehsana Gujrat, India.

3.Assistant Professor, SSIOP, Ganpat University, kherva, Mehsana Gujrat, India.

4.I/C Principal,Ganpat University,kherva,Mehsana, Gujrat, India.

DOIs:10.2017/IJRCS/202606001     |     Paper ID: IJRCS202606001


Abstract
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References
Background: Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare hereditary neurodevelopmental condition caused by chromosome 15q11-q13 abnormalities, with an estimated frequency of 1 in every 15,000-25,000 live births. It is characterized by hypotonia, developmental delay, hyperphagia, obesity, endocrine dysfunction, and behavioral abnormalities, which impair functional independence significantly. Physiotherapy is an important part of multidisciplinary management for improving motor performance and quality of life in affected children. Case presentation: A 2.5-year-old male infant with confirmed PWS (paternal deletion of chromosome 15q11-q13) presented with generalized hypotonia, delayed gross motor milestones, poor postural control, wide-based gait, and a risk of obesity. He was delivered via regular vaginal delivery (birth weight: 1.80 kg) and spent two weeks in the NICU. Genetic testing verified the diagnosis. Intervention A planned 12-week physiotherapy rehabilitation program was designed, consisting of three supervised sessions per week (45 minutes each), complemented by daily caregiver-assisted home exercises. The plan included flexibility training, progressive core and lower limb strengthening, balance training, gait rehabilitation, postural correction, sensory integration, hydrotherapy, orthotic prescription (ankle-foot orthoses and lumbar orthoses), and caregiver education. Result After 12 weeks of care, the patient showed clinically significant improvements across all primary outcome measures. The Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) score increased from 18/56 at baseline to 38/56 at program completion (change = +20 points, exceeding the minimal detectable change of 4 points). The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66) score improved from 42.3 to 58.7. The Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) overall score increased from 54 to 79 out of 126. There were no known adverse occurrences. Conclusion: Early, systematic PT improves balance, gross motor function, and functional independence in young patients with PWS. Long-term management requires multidisciplinary rehabilitation and active caregiver participation. Larger controlled trials are needed to develop uniform physiotherapy procedures.  
Prader–Willi Syndrome, Physiotherapy, Paediatric Rehabilitation, Functional Independence, Balance Training, Hypotonia, Gait Training, CARE Guidelines, Hydrotherapy, Outcome Measures

Dr Trusha Nayak, Dr. Riya Rathore, Dr.Riya Pancholi, Dr. Hemang Jani (2026);  Enhancing Functional Independence Through Physiotherapy in Prader–Willi Syndrome: A Pediatric Case Study,  International Journal of Research Culture Society,    ISSN(O): 2456-6683,  Volume – 10,   Issue –  6,  Available on – https://ijrcs.org/

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