Studies - Cuevas Medek Exercises

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Last updated: 10/Sep/2026

2026 – Cuevas Medek Exercises With Dual-Task Training For Gross Motor Delay In A Toddler With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Case Report

Background: Gross motor delay is common in toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with reported gross motor delay rates and impaired postural control affecting functional participation. Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME) is a distal-support-based, intensive, active-movement physiotherapy technique that relies on automatic postural reactions to induce experience-dependent neuroplasticity; however, there is limited evidence for its use in developmental motor delay associated with ASD.

Objective: To detail the gross motor and sensory results of an 18-month-old child with ASD and global gross motor delay after a 3-month occupational therapy program, which utilized CME, foundation developmental exercises, dual- task training and tactile desensitization.

Case Presentation: An 18-month-old child with ASD was seen with the following problems: Gross motor delay in attainment of head/neck control, sitting, standing, crawling, kneeling and tactile defensiveness of the feet/palms. A progressive, systematic, and structured 3-month intervention was provided, progressing from basic antigravity and desensitization exercises (Month 1) to supported dynamic balance and dual-task integration (Month 2) to functional ambulation and higher-level balance (Month 3).

Outcome Measures: Standardized normative testing was not done, but Individual Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) was done for seven motor/sensory domains at baseline, mid-program (Month 1.5), and program end (Month 3).

Results: The overall GAS T-score went up from 33.9 at baseline to 65.3 at Month 3, above the threshold of T = 50, indicating “goals met or exceeded.” The child progressed from using a maximum amount of support to sit and stand to independent sitting, walking, reciprocal crawling, and walking independently on knees and half-knees, with a significant reduction in tactile defensiveness of feet and palms.

Conclusion: Clinically significant gross motor and sensory improvements were found to be related to a combined CME and dual task occupational therapy protocol in a toddler with ASD and motor delay. Studies to differentiate the independent contributions of CME from concurrent maturation, components of conventional therapy, and family- delivered practice are needed.

Dr. Charu Pareek, Dr. Rajnandini Dubey, Dr. Prakshi Chittora “Cuevas Medek Exercises With Dual-Task Training For Gross Motor Delay In A Toddler With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Case Report” Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(73s): 584-590. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.73s.64

2026 – Cuevas Medek Exercises in the functional rehabilitation of Periventricular Leukomalacia: case report

Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a neurological lesion associated with prematurity, affecting postural control, motor coordination, and the acquisition of gross motor skills. We present the case of a 4-year-old Chilean patient, born at 31 weeks gestation, with a medical diagnosis of VVL and severe motor delay. Functional assessment was performed using observational screening of psychomotor development and the CME (Cuevas Medek Exercises) protocol; standardized functional scales were not used. Conventional physical therapy had ended before the start of CME. During follow-up, speech therapy continued weekly, and ophthalmological checkups were performed as needed. An individualized motor intervention based on the Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME) was implemented over 18 months, with one to two 45-minute sessions per week. The CME score increased from 33 to 65 points, corresponding to an internal motor age equivalence of 4.4 to 8.6 months. Improvements were observed in postural control, sitting, standing, assisted standing, and assisted stepping. The findings describe favorable functional evolution during the follow-up period, but the single-case design, biological maturation, concurrent interventions, and the absence of standardized measures preclude attributing causality to CME. The mother provided written informed consent for the intervention and the use of images and recordings for publication. As this is a single-case report, the results cannot be extrapolated or generalized to other patients with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL).

Gómez-Ponce Felipe, Oyarzún-Zapata Camila, Barrera-González Darío Waldemar. Método Cuevas Medek Exercises en la rehabilitación funcional de la Leucomalacia Periventricular: reporte de caso. Rev. Nac. (Itauguá) [Internet]. 2026 [citado 2026 Sep 10] ; 18: e1800203. Disponible en: http://scielo.iics.una.py/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S2072-81742026000100303&lng=es. Epub 30-Jul-2026. https://doi.org/10.18004/rdn2026.e1800203.

2026 – Evolución del desarrollo motor tras terapia Cuevas Medek Exercises en un niño con síndrome ATR-X: reporte de caso

**Meza, C., Cuevas, R., Fuentes, G., & Lavados, P. (2026). Evolución del desarrollo motor tras terapia Cuevas Medek Exercises en un niño con síndrome ATR-X: reporte de caso.**

2026 – Physiotherapeutic approaches in the neuropsychomotor development of children with spastic cerebral palsy

Introduction. Spastic cerebral palsy (SCP) is the most common form of chronic non-progressive childhood encephalopathy, affecting neuropsychomotor development and limiting functional abilities. It is characterized by spasticity, postural changes and sensorimotor impairment, resulting from lesions in the central nervous system in the pre-, peri- or postnatal periods. The motor development of these children is impacted by atypical motor patterns, making it difficult to acquire motor milestones. However, there are a variety of physical therapeutic techniques used in the rehabilitation of patients with SCP. Objective. To identify, through an integrative review, the effectiveness of physical therapeutic approaches in favoring the neuropsychomotor development of children with SCP. Method. This is an integrative review study, using articles published between 2015 and 2025, available in the LILACS, BVS, SciELO and PubMed databases. Applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 8 articles comprised the final sample. Results. The approaches analyzed, such as the Bobath Concept, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, Sensory Integration, Therapeutic Garments, Induced Constraint Therapy, Transcranial Stimulation, Cuevas Medek and Aquatic Physical therapy, demonstrated positive results in postural control, muscle strength, functionality and motor response. Conclusion. Physical therapy plays an essential role in the rehabilitation of children with PCE, promoting neuroplasticity and favoring the acquisition of motor skills. The early and combined application of specific approaches contributes significantly to the autonomy and quality of life of these patients, reinforcing the importance of physiotherapeutic action based on scientific evidence.

Pereira de Santana KC, Alves SFB. Abordagens fisioterapêuticas no desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor de crianças com paralisia cerebral espástica. Rev Neurocienc. 26º de julho de 2026 ;34:1-14. Disponível em: https://periodicos.unifesp.br/neurociencias/article/view/21490

2026 – Moving Beyond Technique: A Conceptual Perspective for the Cuevas Medek Exercise Aligned with Modern Neuroscience

Despite its increasing use in pediatric neurorehabilitation, Cuevas Medek Exercise (CME) remains rooted in clinical tradition, with limited theoretical articulation in relation to contemporary models of motor development, control, and learning. While clinical observations and reports from practice suggest possible functional benefits in children with motor delays, the absence of a conceptual framework limits its integration into evidence-informed physical therapy practice and education. This perspective proposes a conceptual model for CME that aligns its core principles with current theoretical constructs in motor behavior and developmental neuroscience. By examining key elements of CME—such as distal initiation, postural challenge, and task variability—through the lens of affordances, self-organization, and experience-dependent plasticity, the article presents CME not merely as a technique, but as a conceptual developmental approach informed by embodied action. We argue that such reframing may support more rigorous clinical reasoning, contribute to interdisciplinary dialogue, and inform a theoretical basis for future research exploring the proposed mechanisms and potential effects of CME. More broadly, this perspective contributes to ongoing discussions on how clinically derived interventions can be conceptually integrated within contemporary rehabilitation science. While the present article does not provide empirical validation, it offers a theoretical framework intended to inform future investigation and critical reflection in pediatric physical therapy.

Becker, C., Goulardins, J. B., Marques, J. C. B. F., & Gajardo, R. J. C. (2026). Moving Beyond Technique: A Conceptual Perspective for the Cuevas Medek Exercise Aligned with Modern Neuroscience. Children, 13(6), 769. https://doi.org/10.3390/children13060769

2025 – Impact of Cuevas Medek Exercise in Neuromotor Disorders: A Review

Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME) are a paediatric physiotherapy approach designed to improve motor skills in children with developmental challenges. These exercises involve dynamic movements manually guided to encourage active participation and minimise passive handling. It focusses on stimulating neuroplasticity, helping the brain reorganise and form new neural connections, by progressively challenging the child. CME shifts the focus of paediatric rehabilitation from passive techniques to active engagement, enhancing motor function development in a more engaging and effective manner. The objective of the study is to determine the application and efficacy of CME in children with diverse conditions. The literature search was done using the Cochrane Library and PubMed including recent studies from 2012 to 2024. A total of 12 articles were reviewed from which four to five articles were found relative according to the inclusion criteria of the study. CME therapy has shown the potential in treating children with developmental disabilities resulting from conditions such as cerebral palsy, hypotonia, or motor delays due to non degenerative diseases. Recent research studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of CME in addressing conditions like corpus callosum abnormalities, congenital heart disease, congenital hydrocephalus, autism spectrum disorder, and cerebral palsy. In conclusion, CME therapy holds potential for treating motor delays in children with non degenerative diseases or neurological genetic conditions like cerebral palsy and autism. However, its application may be limited by factors such as the child’s height and weight, as therapists need sufficient muscular strength to perform the exercises. Given the lack of extensive empirical research, further studies are necessary to validate the therapy’s effectiveness and determine its broader applicability.

**Kaur J, Goyal M, Goyal K.(2025). Impact of Cuevas Medek Exercise in Neuromotor Disorders: A Review,J Clin of Diagn Res. 19(9), 107-. https://www.doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2025/80478/21692**

2025 – Efeitos da técnica CME (Cuevas Medek Exercises) na função motora de crianças com paralisia cerebral

A Paralisia Cerebral (PC) é uma condição neurológica que acontece ainda na fase do desenvolvimento do cérebro, podendo ocorrer durante a gestação, parto e no período neonatal, logo após o nascimento. Essa condição afeta o controle motor, a postura e, em muitos casos, o desenvolvimento cognitivo da criança. Mesmo sendo uma doença permanente, realizando os tratamentos corretos, conseguimos garantir uma qualidade de vida ao paciente acometido. Nesse cenário, a fisioterapia entra como parte fundamental no processo, ajudando na prevenção de deformidades, melhora da mobilidade efortalecimento muscular. Dentro dessas intervenções dadas pela fisioterapia, o método Cuevas Medek Excercises (CME) vem se destacando por trabalhar de forma individualizada o estimulo das respostas motoras que estão ausentes. O presente artigo tem como objetivo descrever a eficácia do método CME no tratamento das crianças com Paralisia Cerebral e o papel que a fisioterapia proporciona aos pacientes acometidos pela deficiência.

Efeitos Da Técnica CME (Cuevas Medek Exercises) Na Função Motora de Crianças Com Paralisia Cerebral. (2025). Revista Multidisciplinar Integrada – Remi, 5(3), 1-10. Https://doi.org/10.61164/0c96gc55

2025 – Método Cuevas Medek Exercises en la Parálisis Cerebral Infantil

La parálisis cerebral infantil (PCI) constituye una de las causas más importante de discapacidad motora en niños, lo que ha fomentado la investigación de tratamientos innovadores como el Método Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME). Esta revisión de literatura analizó estudios actuales que valoraron la eficacia de CME en niños con PCI y otras alteraciones motoras. Las investigaciones señalan que este método promueve avances relevantes en el desarrollo de habilidades motoras gruesas, sobre todo en el control postural, el equilibrio y la marcha. En comparación con otras técnicas, el método Cuevas se enfoca en la estimulación gravitacional progresiva, la misma que provoca respuestas motoras automáticas y fomenta la neuroplasticidad desde etapas tempranas del desarrollo. Al comparar este método con otras técnicas convencionales como la realidad virtual, la estimulación eléctrica transcutánea o Pediasuit, se destacan resultados en cuanto a rapidez, organización jerárquica del tratamiento y logros alcanzados. También, su función se extiende a otras afecciones como hipotonía, síndromes genéticos y retrasos globales del desarrollo. La evidencia señala que CME puede ser una herramienta útil y accesible en condiciones de escasos recursos, aunque su utilización implica capacitación especializada. A pesar de que los resultados son favorables, se reconoce la necesidad de realizar estudios más detallados con grupos de control y muestras más amplias para consolidar su validez científica. En conclusión, CME se muestra como una propuesta terapéutica valiosa en el área de la fisioterapia pediátrica, ayudando a incrementar la funcionalidad y la calidad de vida de los niños con alteraciones motoras.

Ayón De La Cruz, I. I. y Murillo Intriago, M. M. (2025). Método Cuevas Medek Exercises en la Parálisis Cerebral Infantil. (Proyecto integrador). Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí, Manta Ecuador.

2025 – Cuevas Medek Exercise and changes on age of delay for pediatric patients with global developmental delay: a retrospective study

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of Cuevas Medek Exercise (CME), a physical therapy approach based on placing a child into antigravity positions, on the motor development of children diagnosed with Global Developmental Delay (GDD) by analyzing their pre and post-CME treatment motor development, along with exploring CME as a potential early intervention for the delay in motor development of children with GDD.

Badon, R. M. A., Cadayona, A. C. L., Castillo, P. M. C., Flores, C. J. I., Larena, J. M. B., Limpao, V. C. A., & Luciano, B. E. D. (2025). Cuevas medek exercise and changes on age of delay for pediatric patients with global developmental delay: a retrospective study. Philippine Physical Therapy Association Convention 2024 Conference Abstracts: Platform Presentations, 4(2), 45. https://doi.org/10.46409/002.orug5626

2025 – Avances motores con terapia Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME) en niña prematura con leucomalacia periventricular: Reporte de caso

Meza, C., Cuevas, R., & Doerl, J. (2025). Avances motores con terapia Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME) en niña prematura con leucomalacia periventricular: Reporte de caso

2025 – Terapia CME y la conquista de la marcha en un niño con síndrome de Prader-Willi: Reporte de caso

Meza, C & Cuevas, R. (2025). Terapia CME y la conquista de la marcha en un niño con síndrome de Prader-Willi: Reporte de caso

2025 – Diferença entre a fisioterapia convencional e o método Cuevas Medek Exercises

**Copetti, S. B., & Medeiros, M. E. M. (2025). Diferença entre a fisioterapia convencional e o método Cuevas Medek Exercises. Centro Universitário de Pato Branco.**

2025 – Possíveis mecanismos neurobiológicos e reorganização neural, relacionadas ao CME em crianças com atraso no desenvolvimento motor

**Hofmam, S. L., Bernardi, P. R., & Lobo, F. (2025). Possíveis mecanismos neurobiológicos e reorganização neural, relacionadas ao CME em crianças com atraso no desenvolvimento motor.**

2025 – Aplicabilidade do método Cuevas Medek Exercises em paralisia cerebral: relato de caso

**Corradi, M. A. de L., Alves, A. L. de J., Silva, B. S., França, A. C., & Faé, A. B. (2025). Aplicabilidade do método Cuevas Medek Exercises em paralisia cerebral: relato de caso.**

2025 – Perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes atendidos na clínica Fluir com o método Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME).

**Lobo, F., Longhini, N. R., Lage, A., & Alves, V. (2025). Perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes atendidos na clínica Fluir com o método Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME).**

2024 – Effects of Cuevas Medek Exercises on balance and posture control in children with autism spectrum disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder affects individuals social interaction, communication, and behavior. It affects individuals across their lifespan and is typically diagnosed in early childhood.

Objective: To find-out the effect of Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME) on the balance and posture control of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder

Methods: The study was single blinded randomized controlled design in which non-probability convenience sampling technique was utilized to recruit 32 ASD patients. Using lottery method, the participants were randomly divided in to two groups, the control group and treatment group. Pediatric balance scale and posture and postural ability scale was used to assess the balance and posture in autistic children. Data was analyzed by using SPSS v 26.

Results: The mean age of the children was 4.56±1.014 years. Independent sample t-test of PBS showed significant with a p-value of 0.002, thus accepting the alternate hypothesis i.e. Cuevas Medek exercises are effective in improving balance among autistic children. The mean value for PBS in treatment group was improved from 34.19±5.671 (pre-test) to 45.56±4.70 (post-test). However, Man-Whitney U test on PPAS showed that both the treatments were equally effective in improving postures in both groups i.e. treatment and control group, as p-value was greater than 0.05 for all the sub-scales of PPAS i.e. Standing, Sitting, Supine and Prone position.

Conclusion: From the results of the study, it was concluded that both the conventional treatment and Cuevas Medek exercises improved posture in patients with ASD. Cuevas Medek was not found to be superior to conventional treatment. However, Cuevas Medek exercises were more effective in improving balance in ASD then the conventional treatment.

Dr. Intsam Aslam PT, Atif Ali Attar, Dr Ume Ammara, Muhammad Izhar Ahmed, Dr.Kanwal Fatima, Dr Muhammad Adeel Arshad, Wasifa Rauf, Dr. Hira Rafique, Muhammad Asif Javed. (2024). EFFECTS OF CUEVAS MEDEK EXERCISES ON BALANCE AND POSTURE CONTROL IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER. Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology, 31(5), 338-353. https://doi.org/10.53555/jptcp.v31i5.6443

2023 – The effectiveness of physioterapeutic techniques in early stimulation of children with cerebral palsy

Non–progressive chronic infantile encephalopathy (IPC) or cerebral palsy (CP) occurs due to an injury to the central nervous system (CNS) during the development of maturation of the child’s brain. The injury caused in the brain is irreversible, and one of the treatments is early stimulation, which allows the child with CP to develop its greatest potential. The objective of this work was to describe through aliterature review the efficacy of physiotherapeutic techniques in early stimulation and how this type of intervention can contribute and improve the motor development of children with Cerebral Palsy.The methodology applied was descriptive qualitative, based on the literature review. The results showed that CP actually interferes with the normal motor development of the child impacting their social life and requires a multidisciplinary team for effective treatment. It wasconcluded that early stimulation helps in neuropsychomotor development through stimuli, promoting the acquisition of skills that were not present, and relies on the knowledge and intervention of physical therapists in cases of CP.

Non-progressive chronic infantile encephalopathy (IPC) or cerebral palsy (CP) occurs due to an injury to the central nervous system (CNS) during the development of maturation of the child’s brain. The injury caused in the brain is irreversible, and one of the treatments is early stimulation, which allows the child with CP to develop its greatest potential. The objective of this work was to describe through aliterature review the efficacy of physiotherapeutic techniques in early stimulation and how this type of intervention can contribute and improve the motor development of children with Cerebral Palsy.The methodology applied was descriptive qualitative, based on the literature review. The results showed that CP actually interferes with the normal motor development of the child impacting their social life and requires a multidisciplinary team for effective treatment. It wasconcluded that early stimulation helps in neuropsychomotor development through stimuli, promoting the acquisition of skills that were not present, and relies on the knowledge and intervention of physical therapists in cases of CP.

A EFICÁCIA DAS TÉCNICAS FISIOTERAPEUTICAS NA ESTIMULAÇÃO PRECOCE DE CRIANÇAS COM PARALISIA CEREBRAL. (2023). Revista Multidisciplinar Do Nordeste Mineiro, 6(1). https://remunom.ojsbr.com/multidisciplinar/article/view/1335

2022 – The effect of Cuevas Medek Exercises Therapy in developmental hip dysplasia in a patient with cerebral palsy: case study

Introduction: Cuevas Medek Exercises Therapy (CME) is a physiotherapeutic handling method, without verbal commands, as it does not aim voluntary reactions, but rather to access the involuntary cortical pathway. The corrections of the movements are done through sensory input from the therapist’s hands.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of CME on the Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) in a patient with Cerebral Palsy (CP).

Methods: The research is characterized as a case study, having as a participant a six-year-old girl with CP, tetraparesis and bilateral hip dysplasia. The interventions started after an initial evaluation developed exclusively with the CME method, hip radiography and classification in the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels. The child went through CME therapy to treat DDH for 10 months, totaling 136 sessions (45 minutes each), consisting of four to six repeated exercises, six times on average. The time and/or how many repetitions she managed to perform were recorded. At the end, the evaluations were done again.

Results: Evolved from 55 to 61 points in the CME score, improved her motor age and, in the hip radiography, the left went from subluxated to at-risk hip.

Conclusion: The patient improved motor age, trunk control and bipedestation, autonomy, and hip fitting on both sides.

Ferreira, A. D., Gerzson, L. R., & de Almeida, C. S. (2022). The effect of Cuevas Medek Exercises Therapy in developmental hip dysplasia in a patient with cerebral palsy: case study. Fisioterapia Brasil, 22(6), 895–903. https://doi.org/10.33233/fb.v22i6.4934

2021 – Developmental outcomes in a child with corpus callosum abnormalities and congenital heart disease after Cuevas Medek Exercises: A case report

Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME) stimulate active exercises, minimize handlings, and harness scientific parameters to promote neuroplasticity, shifting paradigms in pediatric rehabilitation. Distinct CME protocols had positive outcomes in a child with corpus callosum abnormalities and comorbidities indicating its potential as a research topic and in treating developmental motor delays.

de Oliveira, G. R., & Vidal, M. F. (2021). Developmental outcomes in a child with corpus callosum abnormalities and congenital heart disease after Cuevas Medek Exercises: A case report. Clinical Case Reports, 9(8), 9:e04637. https://doi.org/10.1002/ccr3.4637

2021 – The applicability of the cuevas medek exercises method in cerebral palsy: a case report

Introduction: The present study is a case report about the applicability of the Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME) method in a child with Cerebral Palsy (CP).

Objective: to point out the results obtained from the CME method in a child with CP.

Materials and methods: neuropediatric anamnesis and motor development assessment CME scripts.

Case report: the patient was born preterm with severe CP, the evaluation at 6 months of age indicated motor age of 3 months, at the end of treatment showed motor gains and motor age corresponding to age.

Final considerations: it was found that CME therapy can be an efficient form of treatment applied to children diagnosed with CP.

Silva, B. S., Alves, A. L. de J., & Corradi, M. A. de L. (2021). The applicability of the cuevas medek exercises method in cerebral palsy: a case report. Brazilian Journal of Health Review, 4(2), 6580–6587. https://doi.org/10.34119/bjhrv4n2-208

2020 – A normal motor development in congenital hydrocephalus after Cuevas Medek Exercises as early intervention: A case report

Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME) harnesses optimal scientific parameters for rehabilitation programs, and this may explain its neuroplastic outcomes. A normal motor development in a high risk of delay hydrocephalus case after CME as early intervention indicates it may be considered as research subject and treatment option to prevent motor delays.

de Oliveira, G. R., & Vidal, M. F. (2020). A normal motor development in congenital hydrocephalus after Cuevas Medek Exercises as early intervention: A case report. Clinical Case Reports, 8(7), 1226–1229. https://doi.org/10.1002/ccr3.2860

2018 – Physiotherapy activities in early stimulation in children with cerebral paralysis

Introduction: This article presents a literature review on the topic of performance of physiotherapy in early stimulation.

Objective: To report the interference of Cerebral Palsy (CP) in the development typical child’s motor, which leads to atypical patterns, and describe the importance of the role of physical therapy early in these children, using specific method of the physiotherapeutic area as Cuevas Medek Exercises, Pediasuit or Therasuite and concept neuro-evolution Bobath, based on neuroplasticity.

Methods: A literature review was conducted through electronic databases, as well as research in books and scientific journals.

Results: In the published studies, showed that actually these techniques contribute to motor learning and should be performed early in life, at the height of neuroplasticity, to achieve more significant results, thereby obtaining a closest possible outcome of typical development.

Final considerations: This study permitted to understand that physiotherapy in early stimulation is very important in motor development of children with CP. Thus, this work becomes of great importance and impact on society, prompting the production of new research, including fieldwork.

Atuação da fisioterapia na estimulação precoce em criança com paralisia cerebral. (2018). DêCiência Em Foco, 1(2), 76-94. https://revistas.uninorteac.edu.br/index.php/DeCienciaemFoco0/article/view/20

2016 – Stimulation of triple extension tone and orthostatic balance in the child with cerebral palsy through exercises specific to Medek method

Regaining the stand position and also gait in the case of children with cerebral palsy in spastic form has become a really topical issue, considering that early re-education and advancements of surgical treatments (especially the minimally invasive one, as miofibrotomy) and pharmaceutical treatments have begun to offer substantial benefits regarding the increase in their quality of life. The hypothesis from which we started in the development of this research was that the systematic practice of MEDEK-type exercises (specific to the stage when locomotion and orthostatic balance reaction should occur), twice a day, for 45 minutes, individualized for each patient – age, neuromotor development, momentary availabilities, etc., significantly accelerates the appearance of two reactions – trunk and lower limb extension and orthostatic balance, even if the child has not shown before visible trends to manifest them. The research was conducted in the period 2014-2015, within the polyclinic S.C. Rosana Medical S.R.L, on two groups of children (7 in each group) aged between 2-4 years. The first group was applied the kinetic methods specific to neuromotor development stages (Bobath method), and the second group, exercises specific to MEDEK method. The research conclusions demonstrate the beneficial effect of exercises from Medek method on the rapid gain in orthostatic balance, as a result of good coordination between extensor muscle groups.

Mitroi, S. (2016). Stimulation of triple extension tone and orthostatic balance in the child with cerebral palsy through exercises specific to Medek method. Discobolul – Physical Education, Sport and Kinetotherapy Journal, XII(1), 48–51.

2012 – Terapia Cuevas Medek Exercises: método dinâmico de estimulação cinética

Yamauti Rizzo, C. A., & Marques, R. (2012). Terapia Cuevas Medek Exercises: Método Dinâmico de esimulação cinética. In R. D. Assis (Ed.), Condutas Práticas em Fisioterapia Neurológica (pp. 415–429). Manole.

2009 – The social construction of disability and the modern-day healer

Ramon Cuevas is a physical therapist and the founder of Cuevas Medek therapy (CME), a physical therapy for children with severe physical impairments.

Since creating CME he has taught and practiced throughout the world. Families bring their children to see Ramon in his Chile office and elsewhere around the world to see him for therapy. I have conducted in-depth interviews with parents and Ramon, more than five weeks of participant-observation, and analyzed various online materials related to CME. I found that the community that is formed around these families and Ramon provides an excellent example of how disability is constructed in the social context. Secondly, I examined the relationship between Ramon and his clients, finding that through his close relationship with families and his charisma, he is able to successfully maintain this community which normalizes disability. This thesis adds to the growing literature on the social construction of disability and the field of knowledge on non-mainstream healers.

Vanderminden, Jennifer Anne, “The social construction of disability and the modern-day healer” (2009). Master’s Theses and Capstones. 120 https://scholars.unh.edu/thesis/120