Purpose: Rett syndrome is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder with late regression, its main clinical manifestation is the progressive delay of already acquired motor and language skills, accompanied by rigidity and stereotyped hand movements. The aim of this case report was to identify the effects of a physiotherapeutic intervention combined with behavioral therapy in a patient with Rett syndrome.
Case presentation: We present the case of a 10-year-old girl with a medical diagnosis of Rett syndrome, stage III, or also called stabilization or pseudo-stationary stage. Physiotherapy and behavioral therapy were applied 3 times a week, with 45-minute sessions for a period of 12 months of treatment.
Results: Changes were achieved in gross motor function, balance reactions, straightening, in the ability to avoid obstacles and follow instructions; these skills were preserved for 6 weeks (at the end of treatment), and again, the regression of psychomotor functions is evidenced, which may be due to the characteristics of the syndrome.
Conclusion: the results obtained suggest that the combination of physiotherapy with behavioral therapy generates positive changes in gross motor function and behavior in girls with Rett syndrome.
