Communication ability in cerebral palsy: A study from the CP register of western Sweden

BackgroundCommunication is often impaired in cerebral palsy (CP). Tools are needed to describe this complex function, in order to provide effective support.AimTo study communication ability and the relationship between the Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) and CP subtype, gross motor function, manual ability, cognitive function and neuroimaging findings in the CP register of western Sweden.MethodsSixty-eight children (29 girls), 14 with unilateral spastic CP, 35 with bilateral spastic CP and 19 with dyskinetic CP, participated. The CFCS, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) levels, cognitive impairment and neuroimaging findings were recorded.ResultsHalf the children used speech, 32% used communication boards/books and 16% relied on body movements, eye gaze and sounds. Twenty-eight per cent were at the most functional CFCS level I, 13% at level II, 21% at level III, 10% at level IV and 28% at level V. CFCS levels I–II were found in 71% of children with unilateral spastic CP, 46% in bilateral spastic CP and 11% in dyskinetic CP (p = 0.03). CFCS correlated with the GMFCS, MACS and cognitive function (p < 0.01). Periventricular lesions were associated with speech and more functional CFCS levels, while cortical/subcortical and basal ganglia lesions were associated with the absence of speech and less functional CFCS levels (p < 0.01).ConclusionCommunication function profiles in CP can be derived from the CFCS, which correlates to gross and fine motor and cognitive function. Good communication ability is associated with lesions acquired early, rather than late, in the third trimester.     

The Relationship Between Manual Ability and Ambulation in Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy

ABSTRACT

This study examined the relationship between gross motor function and manual ability in 120 adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) (15.2, SD 2.1 years, 59.8% male). Adolescents were evaluated using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS). A neurologist classified CP subtype. Most adolescents were ambulatory with or without utilization of aids (GMFCS level I: 35.0%, II: 30.0%, III: 5.8%, IV: 10.8%, and V: 18.3%). MACS levels were I: 34.2%, II: 25.8%, III: 16.7%, IV: 7.5%, and V: 15.8%. Correlations between GMFCS and MACS were strong in youth with quadriplegia (r = .89, p < .001), moderate in individuals with diplegia (r = .58, p = .01), but weakly associated for adolescents with hemiplegia (r = .24, p = .23). The findings provide evidence for maintaining a clinical distinction between spastic quadriplegia and spastic diplegia. Manual ability may not be congruent with mobility in adolescents with CP and should be specifically evaluated given its importance to daily life functioning.     

Relationship among the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), and the functional status (WeeFIM) in children with spastic cerebral palsy

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship among functional classification systems, the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), and the functional status (WeeFIM) in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). One hundred and eighty-five children with spastic CP (101 males, 84 females), 65 (35.1%) diparetic, 60 (32.4%) quadriparetic, and 60 (32.4%) hemiparetic children, ranging from 4 to 15 years of age with a median age of 7 years, were included in the study. The children were classified according to the GMFCS for their motor function and according to the MACS for the functioning of their hands when handling objects in daily activities. The functional status and performance were assessed by using the Functional Independence Measure of Children (WeeFIM). A good correlation between the GMFCS and MACS was found in all children (r = 0.735, p < 0.01). There was also a correlation between the GMFCS and WeeFIM subscales according to subtypes and all parameters were correlated at the level of p < 0.01, the same as the MACS. There was no difference in the MACS scores among the age groups of 4–7, 8–11, and 12–15 years (p > 0.05). The use of both the GMFCS and MACS in practice and in research areas will provide an easy, practical, and simple classification of the functional status of children with CP. The adaptation of both of these scales and WeeFIM and using these scales together give the opportunity for a detailed analysis of the functional level of children with spastic CP and reflect the differences between clinical types of CP. This study was presented as a poster presentation in 20^th Annual Meeting, European Academy of Childhood Disability (EACD) in Zagreb, Crotia.     

Cognitive functioning in dyskinetic cerebral palsy: Its relation to motor function,communication and epilepsy

Background

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a disorder of motor function often accompanied by cognitive impairment. There is a paucity of research focused on cognition in dyskinetic CP and on the potential effect of related factors.

Functional priorities in daily life for children and young people with dystonic movement disorders and their families

PurposeThis study aims to describe the most prevalent functional concerns of a group of young people with dystonia and their primary carers, and to explore the relationship between concerns, aetiology, severity of motor disability and manual ability.MethodThe Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was completed with 57 children with dystonic movement disorders (65% males/35% females, mean 11.2 years (3.5–18.1)): 25% had primary dystonia, 75% secondary dystonia. Gross motor and manual function were classified using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS). COPM concerns were analysed with respect to aetiology and severity of motor disability.ResultsAlmost three quarters of the respondents were GMFCS/MACS IV–V. All respondents had at least one concern around self-care. Other concerns included access to assistive technology, pain, dressing activities, use of tools and social participation. The nature and presence of concerns did not statistically differ according to the severity of gross motor or manual function impairment, though qualitative differences were noted. No statistical difference was found in relation to aetiology.InterpretationChildren and young people with dystonia have common functional concerns and priorities independent of the cause of dystonia, gross motor severity or manual function ability.     

Therapeutic Effects of Horseback Riding Therapy on Gross Motor Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT

Purpose: This systematic review examined the efficacy of hippotherapy or therapeutic horseback riding (THR) on motor outcomes in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: Databases were searched for clinical trials of hippotherapy or THR for children with CP. Results: Nine articles were included in this review. Although the current level of evidence is weak, our synthesis found that children with spastic CP, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I–III, aged 4 years and above are likely to have significant improvements on gross motor function as a result of hippotherapy and THR. Evidence indicates that 45-min sessions, once weekly for 8–10 weeks, result in significant effects. Conclusions: The current literature on hippotherapy and THR is limited. Large randomized controlled trials using specified protocols are needed to more conclusively determine the effects on children with CP. From the current evidence, it appears that hippotherapy and THR have positive effects on gross motor function in children with CP.     

Longitudinal Changes in Physical Caregiving for Parents of Children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Aims: To determine changes in physical caregiving for parents of children with cerebral palsy (CP) over a two-year period based on children’s gross motor function level and age.

Methods: 153 parents of children with CP rated their physical caregiving using the Ease of Caregiving for Children three times over two years. Parents and assessors classified children’s gross motor function using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Physical caregiving was compared at three test times among parents of children grouped by GMFCS level (I, II–III, and IV–V) and age (1.7–5.9 and 6–11?years) using a three-way mixed ANOVA.

Results: Among all analyses, a two-way interaction was found between children’s GMFCS level and test time on ease of caregiving, p?<?0.01. Change over two-year period was found for parents of children in level I and II–III, p?<?0.01, but not parents of children in levels IV–V. At each test time, parents of children in level I reported the greatest ease of caregiving followed by parents of children in levels II–III, and levels IV–V, who reported the lowest ease of caregiving, p?<?0.001.

Conclusions: Findings support evaluation and monitoring of physical caregiving for parents of children with CP over time.     

Effects of Aquatic Intervention on Gross Motor Skills in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review

Aims: To review the literature on the effects of aquatic intervention on gross motor skills for children with cerebral palsy (CP). Data sources: Six databases were searched from inception to January 2016. Review methods: Aquatic studies for children aged 1–21 years with any type or CP classification and at least one outcome measuring gross motor skills were included. Information was extracted on study design, outcomes, and aquatic program type, frequency, duration, and intensity. Quality was rated using the Centre of Evidence-Based Medicine: Levels of Evidence and the PEDro scale. Results: Of the 11 studies which met inclusion criteria, only two used randomized control trial design, and the results were mixed. Quality of evidence was rated as moderate to high for only one study. Most studies used quasi-experimental designs and reported improvements in gross motor skills for within group analyses after aquatic programs were held for two to three times per week and lasting for 6–16 weeks. Participants were classified according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I–V, and were aged 3–21 years. Mild to no adverse reactions were reported. Conclusions: Evidence on aquatic interventions for ambulatory children with CP is limited. Aquatic exercise is feasible and adverse effects are minimal; however, dosing parameters are unclear. Further research is needed to determine aquatic intervention effectiveness and exercise dosing across age categories and GMFCS levels.     

Exploring Issues of Participation Among Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: What's Important to Them?

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine what participation issues are important to adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). Two hundred and three adolescents with CP (mean age 16.0 ± 1.8 years) were assessed using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). This was done through semistructured interviews by trained physical and occupational therapists. Adolescents responded either directly (n = 144) or through a parent or a caregiver (n = 59) if they were unable to communicate. Issues were extracted from completed questionnaires and coded under three COPM categories (self-care, productivity, and leisure) and 16 subcategories. There was no association between the total number of issues identified and gender (p = .99), age (p = .88), type of respondent (adolescents versus parent) (p = .27), Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level (p = .93), or 66-item Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66) score (p = .45). The issues identified most frequently were related to active leisure (identified by 57% of participants), mobility (55%), school (48%), and socialization (44%). Interventions aimed at improving participation among adolescents with physical disabilities, such as CP, should be directed towards these four key areas. Health care professionals should also recognize and consider the interaction of person and environment when addressing issues related to participation.     

Change in Parent-Identified Goals in Young Children with Cerebral Palsy Receiving a Context-Focused Intervention: Associations with Child,Goal and Intervention Factors

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between goal achievement measured by the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and child, goal, and intervention factors. Participants were 41 preschool children with cerebral palsy (CP) who were in the context-focused therapy arm of a randomized controlled trial. Factors including child age, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level, type and complexity of goals, and intervention strategies were analyzed. Children made large, positive mean changes on the COPM over 6 months (Performance = 3.8, SD = 1.9; Satisfaction = 4.3, SD 4.3) with younger children showing greater change. The COPM scores had low to moderate correlations with change on the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory and the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66). Regression analysis indicated that age, but not GMFCS level influenced COPM change scores. Goal complexity and intervention strategies were not significantly related to COPM change scores. The results provide support for using the COPM as an individualized measure of change in young children with CP receiving intervention.     

Meeting the Information Needs of Families of Children with Chronic Health Conditions

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to examine which child and family characteristics at the child's age of 2 years are determinants of development of self-care and mobility activities over a period of 2 years in young children with cerebral palsy (CP). Longitudinal data of 92 children, representing all levels of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), were analyzed. Children's self-care and mobility activities were assessed with the Functional Skills Scale of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory. Development of self-care and mobility activities was related to several child determinants but no family determinants. GMFCS, type of CP, intellectual capacity, and epilepsy were related to the development of self-care and mobility activities, while manual ability and spasticity were related to development of mobility activities. Multivariate analysis indicated that GMFCS and intellectual capacity were the strongest determinants of development of self-care activities, and GMFCS was the strongest determinant of development of mobility activities. The change in self-care and mobility activities was less favorable in severely affected children with severe disability. Knowledge of GMFCS level and intellectual capacity is important in anticipating change over time and goal setting in young children with CP.     

中文版脑瘫儿童粗大运动功能分级系统的信度和效度研究

目的 确定中文版脑瘫儿童粗大运动功能分级系统（Gross Motor Function Classification System ,GMFCS）的信度和效度。方法 共有来自上海三家康复机构的91名0-12岁脑瘫儿童参加了此项研究，选择35名脑瘫儿童测定GMFCS的重测信度；以66名脑瘫儿童为对象测定GMFCS的评价者间信度；分别以88名脑瘫儿童的粗大运动功能评估量表（GMFM）和54例脑瘫儿童的Peabody粗大运动发育量表（PDMS-GM）的各项测试结果为效标确定GMFCS的平行效度；对88例同时接受GMFCS和GMFM评价的儿童的测试结果进行结构效度检测，以GMFCS为应变量，GMFM五个功能区的百分比为自变量进行多重逐步回归分析，判断粗大运动中五个分区功能对GMFCS的影响程度。结果 GMFCS具有良好的重测信度（ICC值为0.99），同时具有良好的评估者间信度（ICC为0.95-0.98）；GMFCS与GMFM和PDMS-GM各项分值之间有良好的平行效度，Spearman相关系数在-0.57到-0.84在之间；粗大运动功能中的坐位能力和行走能力是影响GMFCS的主要因素，校正决定系数为0.709（p<0.001）。 结论 中文版脑瘫儿童粗大运动功能分级系统的具有良好的信度和效度，适用于国内对脑瘫儿童进行功能分级。     

Self-Care Trajectories and Reference Percentiles for Children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Aims: To create longitudinal trajectories and reference percentiles for performance in self-care of children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods: Participants were 708 children with CP, 18?months through 11 years of age and their parents residing in 10 regions across Canada and the United States. Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels were determined by consensus between parents and therapists. Parents’ completed the Performance in Self-Care domain of the Child Engagement in Daily Life Measure two to five times at 6-month intervals. Nonlinear mixed-effects models were used to create longitudinal trajectories. Quantile regression was used to construct cross-sectional reference percentiles.

Results: The trajectories for children in levels I, II, and III are characterized by an average maximum score between 79.6 (level I) and 62.8 (level III) and an average attainment of 90% of the maximum score between 7 and 9?years of age. The trajectories for children in level IV and V show minimal change over time. Extreme variation in performance among children of the same age and GMFCS level complicate interpretation of percentile change of individual children.

Conclusion: The findings are useful for monitoring self-care of children with CP and evaluating change for children in GMFCS levels I–III.     

The updated European Consensus 2009 on the use of Botulinum toxin for children with cerebral palsy

An interdisciplinary European group of clinical experts in the field of movement disorders and experienced Botulinum toxin users has updated the consensus for the use of Botulinum toxin in the treatment of children with cerebral palsy (CP). A problem-orientated approach was used focussing on both published and practice-based evidence. In part I of the consensus the authors have tabulated the supporting evidence to produce a concise but comprehensive information base, pooling data and experience from 36 institutions in 9 European countries which involves more than 10,000 patients and over 45,000 treatment sessions during a period of more than 280 treatment years. In part II of the consensus the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) based Motor Development Curves have been expanded to provide a graphical framework on how to treat the motor disorders in children with CP. This graph is named “CP^Graph Treatment Modalities – Gross Motor Function” and is intended to facilitate communication between parents, therapists and medical doctors concerning (1) achievable motor function, (2) realistic goal-setting and (3) treatment perspectives for children with CP. The updated European consensus 2009 summarises the current understanding regarding an integrated, multidisciplinary treatment approach using Botulinum toxin for the treatment of children with CP.     

脑性瘫痪患儿生存质量相关因素多重线性回归分析

目的 分析影响脑性瘫痪(脑瘫)儿童生存质量的相关因素.方法　将确诊为脑瘫的80例患儿作为脑瘫组,同时选择80例同龄健康儿童作为健康对照组.采用儿童生存质量的PedsQL4.0普适性核心量表对2组儿童的生存质量进行评定,比较2组儿童生存质量的差异;采用粗大运动功能分级系统(GMFCS)评定脑瘫患儿粗大运动功能的级别,采用北京Gesell发育商评定脑瘫患儿的智力水平;采用多重线性回归分析脑瘫患儿生存质量与性别、月龄、家庭月收入、临床分型、GMFCS及智力水平6种相关因素之间的关系.结果 脑瘫组患儿的生理功能/领域、情感功能、社会功能、心理领域及总体生存质量均显著低于健康对照组儿童,差异均有统计学意义(Pa＜0.01).脑瘫患儿总体生存质量与智力水平呈相同趋势,智力水平越高,生存质量亦越高;脑瘫患儿生理领域生存质量与智力水平、GMFCS呈正向关系,与月龄呈反向关系,其中GMFCS对生存质量的影响最严重;患儿的心理领域与智力水平相关.结论　脑瘫患儿生存质量存在明显损害,智力水平及运动功能是影响其生存质量的重要因素.     

Higher Levels of Caregiver Strain Perceived by Indian Mothers of Children and Young Adults with Cerebral Palsy Who have Limited Self-Mobility

Aim: Describe and compare the caregiver strain experienced among Indian mothers of children and young adults with cerebral palsy (CP) living in low resource settings. Methods: 62 consecutive children and young adults with spastic CP (mean age 6.0 ± 4.5, range 2–21) and their parents were recruited from an outpatient physiotherapy department for this cross-sectional study. Ability to walk was classified using the Gross Motor Function Classification System and mother's caregiver strain was measured using caregiver strain index (CSI). Results: Mothers of children and young adults who have limited self-mobility perceived higher caregiver strain (mean CSI score 12.0 ± 1.3, p < 0.05) than mothers of children who can walk (mean CSI score 4.5 ± 3.0, p < 0.05). All 46 mothers of children and youth in GMFCS levels IV and V reported high levels of caregiver stress compared with only three of 16 mothers of children and youth who walk (levels I and II). Conclusions: Physiotherapists and occupational therapists serving children and youth with CP are encouraged to partner with families to identify goals for ease of caregiving, activity, and participation at home and in the community.     

Neuromotor development in infants with cerebral palsy investigated by the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination during the first year of age.

BACKGROUND: The Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) is a simple and scorable method for assessing infants between 2 and 24 months of age. AIMS: The purpose of this retrospective study was firstly, to evaluate the neuromotor development of infants with cerebral palsy (CP) by the HINE, during the first year of age; secondly, to correlate the scoring of this neurological tool with levels of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). METHODS: A cohort of 70 infants with a diagnosis of CP at 2 years of age was evaluated by the HINE at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of corrected age and by GMFCS at 2 years of age. RESULTS: The main results indicate that at 3-6 months, infants with quadriplegia (IV and V levels of GMFCS) and those with severe diplegia (III level) scored below 40, whereas those with mild or moderate diplegia (I-II level) and hemiplegia (I-II level) mainly scored between 40-60. Interestingly, the 26% of infants with hemiplegia scored > or =67 at 12 months. We observed a strong (r=-0.82) and significant (p<0.0001) negative correlation between the scores of the neurological examination and the levels of GMFCS. CONCLUSIONS: Our results point out that the HINE can give additional information about neuromotor development of infants with CP from 3-6 months of age, strictly related to the gross motor functional abilities at 2 years of age.