Efficacy and safety of serial injections of botulinum toxin A in children with spastic cerebral palsy

Background

Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) has been successfully used as a treatment for children with spastic cerebral palsy; however, the effect of BTX-A on reducing spasticity only lasts a few months, thus serial injections are required. The present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of serial injections of BTX-A in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

Methods

Fifty-two pediatric patients with spastic cerebral palsy, 2–12 years of age (mean age, 4.79±2.70), were retrospectively analyzed. Muscle tone was assessed with the Modified Ashworth Scale, and gait was assessed with the Physician Rating Scale. Assessments were undertaken at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months after serial injections of BTX-A.

Results

The beneficial effects of BTX-A occurred 1 week after the injection, whereas the adverse side-effects appeared within 1 week and lasted <2 weeks. BTX-A significantly improved muscle tone and gait 3 and 6 months after its serial injections compared to baseline (P <0.05).

Conclusions

Serial injections of BTX-A are effective and safe for children with spastic cerebral palsy. The sideeffects of serial injections of BTX-A are mild and selflimited.     

Haptic Exploratory Procedures of Children and Youth with and without Cerebral Palsy

Aims: Compare haptic exploratory procedures (EPs) and exploratory movements (EMs) of children. This study also tested the interrater reliability of a novel digital recording method. Methods: Participants were 31 children with typical development (TD) (aged 6 years 1 month to 15 years 9 months; 14 male) and 23 children with spastic unilateral cerebral palsy (CP) (aged 6 years to 15 years 5 months; 13 males; right hemiplegia, n = 12). Results: There were no statistically significant differences between groups for expected EP (p = .15), additional EPs (p = .78), or EMs (p = .69) but there was for mean duration of exploration (p < .001) and accuracy (p < .001). This suggests that although children with CP performed similar haptic EPs for each object as children with TD, they took more time and were less accurate in their identification. There was substantial agreement between the two raters' observations of expected EP, κ = .64, p < .0005. Conclusion: Children with CP performed similar haptic EPs as their TD peers. However, despite similarities, the results indicate that for children with CP manual ability was not the primary determinant of accuracy or speed of identification. This study provides evidence for a reliable method of recording haptic EPs.     

不同运动功能分级脑瘫患儿步态分析中时-空与运动学参数的对比研究CSCD

目的比较2019年3月至2021年3月上海市儿童医院骨科收治的不同运动功能分级脑瘫患儿步态分析中时-空与运动学参数的差异,探索通过三维步态分析中时-空与运动学参数来定量评价痉挛型脑瘫患儿下肢运动功能,为痉挛型脑瘫的病情评估提供客观定量方法。方法选取年龄6~12岁、经粗大运动功能分级系统(gross motor function classification system,GMFCS)分级为Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ级的痉挛型脑瘫患儿为研究对象,共90例,GMFCS分级为Ⅰ级(Ⅰ级组)、Ⅱ级(Ⅱ级组)、Ⅲ级(Ⅲ级组)各30例。选取30例正常儿童作为正常对照组。通过三维步态分析系统采集90例脑瘫患儿和正常对照组儿童步态分析中的时-空与运动学参数,利用方差分析和多样本均数间多重比较,分析不同运动功能分级脑瘫患儿之间以及与正常对照组儿童之间的差异。结果脑瘫患儿步态分析时-空参数中步长、步宽、步速、步频、跨步长较正常对照组儿童明显减小(P<0.05),且随GMFCS分级的升高而逐渐减小;脑瘫患儿步态周期和双支撑时间较正常对照组儿童明显延长(P<0.05),且随GMFCS分级的升高而逐渐延长。运动学参数中,脑瘫患儿髋关节、膝关节和踝关节活动角度较正常对照组儿童明显减小(P<0.05),髋关节最大屈曲角度、膝关节最大和最小屈曲角度、踝关节最大背屈角度明显减小,而髋关节最小屈曲角度明显增大(P<0.05);随GMFCS分级的升高,关节活动角度逐渐减小,髋关节最大屈曲角度、膝关节最大和最小屈曲角度、踝关节最大背屈角度逐渐减小,而髋关节最小屈曲角度逐渐增大;仅踝关节最大跖屈角度在不同GMFCS分级患儿中无明显差异(P>0.05)。结论步态分析中时-空参数和运动学参数可以定量评估痉挛型脑瘫患儿的下肢运动功能。GMFCS分级越高的脑瘫患儿与正常儿童之间的差异越大,下肢的运动功能越差。     

Multidimensional outcome measure of selective dorsal rhizotomy in spastic cerebral palsy

BackgroundOne of the treatment option to reduce spasticity in cerebral palsy children is selective dorsal rhizotomy. Several studies have demonstrated short and long term improvements in gait and other activities after rhizotomy but this surgery still remains a controversial procedure and patient outcome indicators measures are not uniform.AimsTo describe our assessment and outcome evaluation protocol and to verify by this protocol short term results of rhizotomy.MethodsWe recruited 9 cerebral palsy children (mean age 7.9 years ± 3.2) affected by mild to moderate spastic diplegia and operated by rhizotomy. Patients were studied preoperatively and at 12 months after surgery by the following clinical and instrumental measures correlated to the International Classification of Functioning: modified Ashworth Scale, passive Range of Motion, Medical Research Council Scale, Selective Motor Control Scale, 3D-motion analysis and energy cost of locomotion measurements (indicators of “body functions”); Gross Motor Functional Measure and Motor Functional Independence Measure (indicators of “activities and participation”).ResultsOur data showed, after rhizotomy, reduction of spasticity specially in plantarflexors muscles (p < 0.01), increase of strength of knee flexors/extensors and foot plantar/dorsiflexion muscles (p < 0.01), improvement of selective motor control (p < 0.05), more similar spatio-temporal parameters of gait analysis to healthy subjects, reduced equinus foot and knees hyperflexion as energy cost.ConclusionThe complementary use of multiple indicators may improve the evaluation of the results of dorsal rhizotomy. A beneficial outcome measured by these indicators has been found in our spastic diplegic children one year after rhizotomy.     

感觉统合训练对痉挛型脑瘫患儿步态影响的临床研究

目的观察感觉统合训练对痉挛型脑性瘫痪(简称脑瘫)患儿步态的影响,为脑瘫患儿提供更合理、有效的康复治疗方法。方法痉挛型脑瘫患儿64例,按性别、年龄、身高、体质量、临床分型及其移动能力进行配对分组。观察组和对照组各32例(双瘫22例,偏瘫10例)。观察组接受运动疗法、按摩、理疗等常规康复训练的同时配合每日1次共30 min的专业感觉统合训练,对照组只接受常规的康复训练,3个月为1个疗程。康复治疗前后采用足印法对所有受试对象进行步态分析。结果 (1)两组双瘫患儿两侧步行足长、步速较治疗前增大,步宽较治疗前减小,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05,0.01);观察组两侧步行足长、步速较对照组增大,步宽较对照组减小,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01);两侧站立足长在治疗前后比较和组间比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。(2)两组偏瘫患儿治疗后患侧步行足长较治疗前增大,观察组偏瘫患儿步宽较治疗前减少,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05,0.01);观察组治疗后患侧步行足长、步速较对照组增大、步宽较对照组减少,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);两组步速、对照组步宽较治疗前差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05),两侧站立足长、健...     

Effects of Radial Shockwave Therapy and Orthotics Applied with Physical Training on Motor Function of Children with Spastic Diplegia: A Randomized Trial

Aims: To explore the effects of radial shockwave therapy (rSWT) combined with standard orthotic management (SOM) on spasticity, functional balance, and gait in children with spastic diplegia. Methods: Sixty children with diplegia were allocated to group I (rSWT, n = 20), group II (SOM, n = 20), or group III (rSWT + SOM, n = 20). All groups received a physical training program 3 times/week for 3 months. Assessments were completed before and immediately after the intervention and included the Hoffman reflex/Myogenic response ratio of the soleus muscle (H/M ratio), balance, and gait. Results: At a significance criterion adjusted to p ? .006, there were no between-group differences in balance or gait (p > .006). The rSWT + SOM group had a greater improvement of H/M ratio compared to rSWT alone (p = .001) but not to SOM alone (p = .04). Within-group analysis demonstrated significant improvement of all variables for rSWT + SOM (p ? .006). The H/M ratio and knee midstance angle exhibited clinically meaningful improvement for rSWT alone (p ? .006). No significant changes were observed in any variable for SOM alone (p > .006). Conclusions: Radial shockwave and orthotics together, or either of them along with physical training did not differ in improving balance or gait. Their combination was more effective than rSWT alone in reducing spasticity.     

Bone densitometry in pediatric patients treated with pamidronate

Background: Increasing numbers of children are being treated with the bisphosphonate pamidronate for low bone mineral density, particularly children with increased risk of fractures caused by bone disorders or low/non-weight bearing. Objective: To determine the effect of intravenous pamidronate on the bone mineral density of children with osteogenesis imperfecta and spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Materials and methods: Charts of 38 children with osteogenesis imperfecta (n=20) and spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy (n=18) treated with pamidronate were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were selected for treatment because of prior fracture and/or abnormally low bone mineral density. All received intravenous pamidronate at two-month to eight-month intervals and were periodically examined using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: All patients had abnormally low bone mineral density prior to treatment. Lumbar spine bone mineral density and z-scores showed serial improvement in 31 of 32 patients. Spine bone mineral density increased 78±38.1% in OI and 47.4±39.0% in children with cerebral palsy. The area of greatest lateral distal femur bone mineral density improvement was in the metaphysis adjacent to the growth plate, with a 96±87.8% improvement in the osteogenesis imperfecta group and 65.7±55.2% improvement in the cerebral palsy group. Increases in bone mineral density exceeded that expected for age-specific growth. This was demonstrated by improvement in both spine and femur z-scores for both groups. No children with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy experienced fractures after the first week of treatment, whereas patients with osteogenesis imperfecta continued to have fractures but at a decreased rate. Conclusions: Intravenous pamidronate given at 3- to 4-month intervals proved to be effective in increasing bone mineral density in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta and spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. The greatest gains in bone mineral density were observed in the children with osteogenesis imperfecta, but they did continue to fracture, albeit at a decreased rate. Children with cerebral palsy gained bone mineral density and did not continue to fracture.     

Effect of Group-Task-Oriented Training on Gross and Fine Motor Function,and Activities of Daily Living in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Aims: To determine the effects of group-task-oriented training (group-TOT) on gross and fine motor function, activities of daily living (ADL) and social function of children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods: Eighteen children with spastic CP (4–7.5?years, gross motor function classification system level I–III) were randomly assigned to the Group-TOT (9 children received group-TOT for 1?hour, twice a week for 8?weeks) or the comparison group (9 children received individualized traditional physical and occupational therapy). The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM)-88, the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency 2^nd edition (BOT-2), and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) were administered before and after the intervention, and in the Group-TOT, 16?weeks after the intervention.

Results: Children in the Group-TOT showed significant improvements in the GMFM-88 standing and walking/running/jumping subscales, the BOT-2 manual dexterity subscale, and the PEDI social function subscale (p?<?0.05); changes were maintained 16?weeks after the intervention ended. In contrast, the comparison group improved in only the BOT-2 fine motor integration subscale (p?<?0.05).

Conclusions: The findings provide evidence of effectiveness of group-TOT in improving gross and fine motor function, and social function in children with CP.     

Botulinumtoxin A treatment in toddlers with cerebral palsy

Aims: In this study the aim was to evaluate the effect of botulinum toxin A (BoNT‐A) treatment on muscle tone, contracture development and gait pattern in young children with cerebral palsy (CP). Method: Fifteen children with spastic CP (mean age = 16 months) were included in a randomized control study. All received a daily stretching programme and children in the BoNT‐A group additionally received two injections, 6 months apart in the gastrocnemius muscle. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, and after 1 and 3.5 years. A 3D gait‐analysis was performed at 5 years of age. Results: Plantarflexor muscle tone in the BoNT‐A group was significantly reduced after 3.5 years, while the muscle tone at the ankle and knee in the control group remained unchanged. The change‐score in knee‐flexion muscle tone between the groups was significantly different after 3.5 years. The knee joint ROM was significantly increased at 1 year in the BoNT‐A group but reduced at the knee and ankle joints in the control group after 3.5 years. No group differences were found for gait analysis, GMFM‐66 or PEDI. Conclusion: Early treatment of BoNT‐A in children with spastic CP may decrease muscle tone and decelerate contracture development after 3.5 years. The effect on gait development remains inconclusive.     

Robotic-assisted treadmill therapy improves walking and standing performance in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy

ObjectiveTask-specific body-weight-supported treadmill therapy improves walking performance in children with central gait impairment. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of robotic-assisted treadmill therapy on standing and walking performance in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy and to determine parameters influencing outcome.Methods20 Patients (mean age 11.0 ± 5.1, 10 males and 10 females) with cerebral palsy underwent 12 sessions of robotic-assisted treadmill therapy using the driven gait orthosis Lokomat. Outcome measures were the dimensions D (standing) and E (walking) of the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM).ResultsSignificant improvements in dimension D by 5.9% (±5.2, p = 0.001) and dimension E by 5.3% (±5.6, p < 0.001) of the GMFM were achieved. Improvements in the GMFM D and E were significantly greater in the mildly affected cohort (GMFCS I and II) compared to the more severely affected cohort (GMFCS III and IV). Improvement of the dimension E but not of D correlated positively with the total distance and time walked during the trial (r_s = 0.748, p < 0.001).ConclusionsChildren and adolescents with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy showed improvements in the functional tasks of standing and walking after a 3-week trial of robotic-assisted treadmill therapy. The severity of motor impairment affects the amount of the achieved improvement.     

Effects of Strength Training Aided by Electrical Stimulation on Wrist Muscle Characteristics and Hand Function of Children with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy

Nine children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy underwent 24 sessions of wrist muscles strengthening in the extended wrist range aided by electrostimulation. Isometric strength of flexors and extensors was registered in three wrist positions (30° of flexion, neutral, and 30° of extension) to infer on angle–torque curves. Passive stiffness of wrist flexors and wrist flexion angle during manual tasks and hand function were also documented. Significant strength gains were observed at 30° of wrist extension for flexors (p = 0.029) and extensors (p = 0.024). No gains were observed at 30° of flexion. The difference in extensor strength between the three test positions changed after intervention (p < 0.034), suggesting a shift in the angle–torque curve. No changes were observed in passive stiffness (p = 0.506), wrist angle (p < 0.586), or hand function (p = 0.525). Strength training in specific joint ranges may alter angle–torque relationships. For functional gains to be observed, however, a more aggressive intervention and contextualized task training would probably be needed.     

重复注射A型肉毒毒素治疗痉挛型脑性瘫痪

目的观察重复肌肉注射A型肉毒毒素(BTX-A)治疗痉挛型脑性瘫痪的疗效。方法用BTX-A对30例重度痉挛型脑性瘫痪患儿进行2次局部肌肉注射,2次注射间隔为3个月,注射剂量4 U/(kg.次)。以改良阿氏量表(MAS)评定肌张力,以运动评价量表(PRS)评定运动功能。分析注射前、2次重复注射后3个月的肌张力、PRS分数变化。应用配对t检验进行统计分析。结果BTX-A第2次治疗前后肌张力、PRS分值均具有显著性差异(P均<0.001)。结论局部重复肌肉注射BTX-A能有效治疗重度痉挛型脑性瘫痪,提高运动功能。     

Chorioamnionitis and cerebral palsy: Lessons from a patient registry

AimThe fetal neuroinflammatory response has been linked to the development of brain injury in newborns and subsequent neurologic impairment. We aimed to explore the maternal and child factors associated with histologic chorioamnionitis in cerebral palsy.MethodsWe conducted an observational study on a cohort of children with cerebral palsy who were identified from the Quebec Cerebral Palsy Registry. Placental pathology was reported prospectively. Maternal and child factors associated with histological chorioamnionitis were explored.ResultsPlacental reports were available in 455 of 534 (85%) children with cerebral palsy, and of these 12% had histological signs of chorioamnionitis on reports. These children were more likely to have large placentas over 90th percentile for gestational age (53.7% versus 30.7%, p = 0.001) and were born significantly more prematurely (<32 weeks in 51.9% vs 24.1%, p = 0.007) than children without chorioamnionitis. A clinical sign of perinatal infection was reported in 61.1% of children with chorioamnionitis, however each clinical sign was seen in a minority of these children. Children with chorioamnionitis were more likely to have spastic diplegic cerebral palsy subtype (37% vs 19.2%, p = 0.003) and periventricular white matter injury on neuroimaging (52.9% vs 35.8%, p = 0.004). However no differences in neuroimaging or subtypes were seen when stratified by prematurity.DiscussionHistological chorioamnionitis was a frequent pathological finding in children with cerebral palsy born prematurely, with larger placentas relative to gestation and birth weight. Future case control studies are needed to shed light on the role of inflammatory placental findings in pregnancy outcomes.     

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.     

Term neonatal encephalopathy antecedent cerebral palsy: A retrospective population-based study

ObjectiveTo compare the clinical profile of term-born cerebral palsy children with or without antecedent moderate to severe neonatal encephalopathy. We hypothesized that antecedent neonatal encephalopathy is associated with a spastic quadriparesis cerebral palsy clinical profile, a higher severity of functional motor impairment, and a greater number of associated comorbidities.MethodsUsing the Quebec Cerebral Palsy Registry, neurologic subtype, Gross Motor Function Classification System stratification, and comorbidities were compared in children with cerebral palsy with and without antecedent neonatal encephalopathy. Differences between groups were evaluated using chi square analysis for categorical variables and student t test for continuous variables.ResultsWe identified 132 children with cerebral palsy born full term over a 4 year-interval (1999–2002 inclusive) within the Quebec Cerebral Palsy Registry, of which 44 (33%) had an antecedent neonatal encephalopathy. Spastic quadriplegia subtype of cerebral palsy and Gross Motor Function Classification System Level III–V (non-independent ambulation) were significantly associated with antecedent neonatal encephalopathy. The mean number of comorbidities experienced was not different in the two groups. Of five documented comorbidities, only severe communication difficulties were found to be associated (p < 0.05) with antecedent neonatal encephalopathy.ConclusionA pattern of increased neuromotor impairment, functional gross motor severity and possible communication difficulties was found in the 33% of children with cerebral palsy born at term and with a history of neonatal encephalopathy.     

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.     

Randomised double blind placebo controlled trial of the effect of botulinum toxin on walking in cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral palsy is the commonest cause of severe physical disability in childhood. For many years treatment has centred on the use of physiotherapy and orthotics to overcome the problems of leg spasticity, which interferes with walking and can lead to limb deformity. Intramuscular botulinum toxin (BT-A) offers a targeted form of therapy to reduce spasticity in specific muscle groups. AIMS: To determine whether intramuscular BT-A can improve walking in children with cerebral palsy. DESIGN: Randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial. METHODS: Forty patients with spastic diplegia or hemiplegia were enrolled. Twenty two received botulinum toxin and 18 received placebo. The primary outcome measure was video gait analysis and secondary outcome measures were gross motor function measure (GMFM), physiological cost index (PCI), and passive ankle dorsiflexion. RESULTS: Video gait analysis showed clinically and statistically significant improvement in initial foot contact following BT-A at six weeks and 12 weeks compared to placebo. Forty eight per cent of BT-A treated children showed clinical improvement in VGA compared to 17% of placebo treated children. The GMFM (walking dimension) showed a statistically significant improvement in favour of the botulinum toxin treated group. Changes in PCI and passive ankle dorsiflexion were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The study gives further support to the use of intramuscular botulinum toxin type A as an adjunct to conventional physiotherapy and orthoses to reduce spasticity and improve functional mobility in children with spastic diplegic or hemiplegic cerebral palsy.     

Safety and one-year efficacy of intrathecal baclofen therapy in children with intractable spastic cerebral palsy

BackgroundProspective studies that address both efficacy and safety of continuous infusion of intrathecal baclofen (CITB) in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP), and that use outcome measures beyond muscle tone are lacking.AimsTo study the efficacy at 12 months and safety up to 24 months after start of CITB in children with intractable spastic CP.MethodsNine girls and eight boys, aged 13.7 years (SD 2.9), received a SynchroMed pump for CITB. We prospectively recorded effects and adverse events at regular follow-up visits up to 24 months. Outcome measures included the 0–10 visual analogue scale (VAS) for individual problems, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and health related quality of life as measured with the Child Health Questionnaire-PF50.ResultsCITB for 12 months significantly improved the VAS for individual problems with 4.7 (SD 2.0; p = 0.000), VAS for ease of care with 5.2 (SD 2.1; p = 0.000), VAS for pain with 5.4 (SD 2.7; p = 0.002); GMFM sitting dimension with 3.3 (range ?4.0 to 22.0; p = 0.022), GMFM goal dimension with 4.0 (range 0.0–26.0; p = 0.007); and Child Health Questionnaire-PF50 domains of bodily pain/discomfort with 25.6 (SD 35.9; p = 0.016) and mental health with 9.8 (SD 11.3; p = 0.007). During a mean follow-up of 18.4 months (range 12–24), we recorded 80 adverse events. Eight adverse events were serious, but not life-threatening.ConclusionsCITB was effective at 12 months and safe up to 24 months for carefully selected children with intractable spastic CP. CITB relieved pain, facilitated ease of care and improved mental health. The majority of children could extend their activities and participation.     

Improvements in Kinematic Performance After Home-Based Bimanual Intensive Training for Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy

Aims: To evaluate the effects of home-based intensive bimanual training for children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (USCP) on bimanual coordination using 3-D kinematic analyses. Methods: Seven children with USCP (aged 29–54 months, MACS level: I-III) received 90 hours (2 hrs/day, 5days/week for 9 weeks) of Home Hand-Arm Bimanual Intensive Training (H-HABIT) provided by trained caregivers. A bimanual drawer-opening task was evaluated with eight infrared cameras using VICON workstation4.6 before and after training to assess improvements in bimanual coordination. Results: H-HABIT training significantly decreased the time between one hand opening the drawer and the other hand manipulating its contents (p < 0.05) and increased the percentage of time when both hands were moving simultaneously (p = 0.001), which are indicators of improved temporal bimanual coordination. In addition, participants demonstrated a 26% decrease in trunk displacement (p < 0.05), a 30% increase in upper arm joint excursion (p < 0.01), and a 25% increase in elbow extension (p < 0.05) for the affected side. All the improvements were maintained at 6-month posttest. Conclusions: H-HABIT improved not only temporal, but also quality of movement during a bimanual task for seven children with USCP. Thus, H-HABIT could be an alternative or adjunctive treatment for children with USCP.     

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.