Pediatric Physiotherapy for Conduct Disorder | Cadabams CDC
Conduct Disorder (CD) is a persistent pattern of angry outbursts, aggression, deceitfulness, and rule-breaking that disrupts home, school, and social life. Roughly 2–10 % of school-aged children are affected, and early support can change the entire developmental path.
Why a Pediatric Physiotherapist’s Perspective Matters
A Pediatric Physiotherapist perspective on conduct disorder recognises that behaviour is not only “in the mind.” Posture, muscle tone, balance, and sensory processing all influence how safe and regulated a child feels. Movement interventions target these physical foundations, giving the brain new patterns to replace fight-or-flight responses.
Neurobiological Links Between Movement & Behaviour
- Movement stimulates the cerebellum and pre-frontal cortex—areas critical for impulse control.
- Proprioceptive input releases calming neurotransmitters (GABA, serotonin).
- Rhythmic activities entrain heart-rate variability, improving emotional regulation.
2. Signs Your Child May Benefit From Physiotherapy
Physical Red Flags Often Overlooked
- Constant toe-walking or flat-footed stomping
- Poor balance on one foot after age 5
- Frequent “heavy” crashing into furniture or people
Behavioural Patterns That Respond to Movement Therapy
- Escalating tantrums when asked to sit still
- Aggression during group sports but not free play
- Difficulty transitioning from high-energy to calm states
Quick Parent Checklist (Downloadable PDF)
Download here a one-page checklist you can complete in 3 minutes and share with our team for an initial review.
3. Evidence-Based Assessment Process
Initial Functional Movement Screening
A 30-minute observation session looks at core stability, gait, jumping, and ball skills in a play-based setting.
Standardised Tools: MABC-2 & BOT-2
- MABC-2 (Movement ABC-2) scores fine and gross motor skills against age norms.
- BOT-2 (Bruininks-Oseretsky) pinpoints specific balance, strength, or coordination gaps.
Sensory Profile & Attachment History Review
We integrate caregiver questionnaires to understand triggers, sensory seeking/avoiding patterns, and early relational experiences that shape motor development.
4. Core Physiotherapy Programmes Available
Proprioceptive & Heavy-Work Circuits
Structured obstacle courses using weighted balls, resistance bands, and crash pads to deliver deep-pressure input that lowers cortisol.
Trauma-Informed Yoga & Mindful Movement
Simple poses (mountain, warrior, child’s pose) combined with breathing cues teach the nervous system to shift from hyper-arousal to calm.
Interactive Metronome & Timing Training
Computer-based games that reward rhythmic clapping or foot-tapping, proven to enhance attention span and reduce impulsivity.
Parent-Child Co-Regulation Sessions
Guided activities such as partner drumming or mirroring stretches to rebuild trust and shared regulation strategies at home.
5. Step-by-Step Treatment Journey
Step 1: Online or In-Clinic Intake
Fill out a short form and choose your preferred setting; both options are led by a senior physiotherapist.
Step 2: Comprehensive Assessment Week
Three 45-minute sessions across one week cover movement, sensory, and attachment domains.
Step 3: Personalised Movement Plan
You receive a colour-coded chart with daily 10-minute micro-sessions plus weekly goals.
Step 4: Weekly Therapy & Progress Tracking
In-clinic or hybrid sessions every Tuesday or Saturday; progress graphed in real time on our parent app.
Step 5: Maintenance & Booster Plans
Quarterly check-ins keep gains intact; optional summer intensives prevent regression during holidays.
6. Multidisciplinary Team Approach
Integration With Child Psychology & Psychiatry
Your physiotherapist shares session notes instantly on our secure portal so medication, CBT, and movement goals stay aligned.
Real-Time Case Conferencing
Bi-weekly 15-minute huddles ensure every specialist knows if a child had a meltdown on the football field or slept poorly the night before.
Family-Centred Goal Setting
Parents co-write three-month goals such as “Ride bike without aggression” or “Sit through dinner without bolting.”
7. Proven Outcomes & Case Highlights
Reduction in Aggressive Episodes (Graph)
Average drop from 12 to 4 major outbursts per month within 12 weeks (n = 87 cases).
Improvements in School Participation
Teachers report 40 % increase in PE engagement and 25 % reduction in playground incidents.
Parent Stress Index Before & After
Mean PSI score falls from 98 (high stress) to 72 (moderate) after six months of combined physiotherapy and family coaching.