Computerized gait analysis of Botulinum Toxin treatment in children with cerebral palsy

Purpose. Intramuscular botulinum toxin A (BTA) injection is a local reversible treatment with a wide range of therapeutic applications, including temporary reduction of spasticity. The aim of this work was a quantitative, computerized objective evaluation of BTA-induced improvement of the walking functional ability in a group of children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods. Fifteen children with CP and 20 healthy children were evaluated. All patients were equinus walkers without fixed contractures of triceps surae muscles and they were evaluated before and after about 1.5 months from BTA injections into the calf muscles. The effectiveness of treatment was evaluated by 3D computerized gait analysis.

Results. Data analysis revealed a significant improvement of equinus foot and ankle range of motion during gait after BTA injection. Positive effects were evident also at the knee joint as documented by the improvement of kinetics characteristics (moment and power).

Conclusions. Computerized gait analysis is a valid method for quantification of BTA effect on walking in children with CP, allowing a detailed evaluation of improvement at each joint and a quantitative evaluation of treatment outcome.     

Computerized gait analysis of botulinum toxin treatment in children with cerebral palsy

Purpose. Intramuscular botulinum toxin A (BTA) injection is a local reversible treatment with a wide range of therapeutic applications, including temporary reduction of spasticity. The aim of this work was a quantitative, computerized objective evaluation of BTA-induced improvement of the walking functional ability in a group of children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods. Fifteen children with CP and 20 healthy children were evaluated. All patients were equinus walkers without fixed contractures of triceps surae muscles and they were evaluated before and after about 1.5 months from BTA injections into the calf muscles. The effectiveness of treatment was evaluated by 3D computerized gait analysis.

Results. Data analysis revealed a significant improvement of equinus foot and ankle range of motion during gait after BTA injection. Positive effects were evident also at the knee joint as documented by the improvement of kinetics characteristics (moment and power).

Conclusions. Computerized gait analysis is a valid method for quantification of BTA effect on walking in children with CP, allowing a detailed evaluation of improvement at each joint and a quantitative evaluation of treatment outcome.     

Passive stiffness characteristics of ankle plantar flexors in hemiplegia

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and reliability of ankle plantar flexor stiffness measurements in hemiplegia. DESIGN: Repeated measurements in five consecutive weeks. BACKGROUND: In hemiplegia, an equinovarus positioning of the foot might be caused by an increased stiffness of the m. triceps surae. METHODS: In eight hemiplegic patients the net joint torque of passive muscle stretch was measured as a function of ankle-angle by a dynamometer, at both sides. Ankle-stiffness was characterised and also a biomechanical model of the passive muscle was fitted. RESULTS: In the vast majority of measurements it was possible to obtain measurements that were not distorted by involuntary muscle contraction. These measurements showed for the angle at which a passive plantar moment of 10 N m was reached a standard error of measurement of less than 2.7 degrees. The muscle model showed the increased stiffness as a shortening of the muscle-fibre-length. CONCLUSION: The feasibility of this method to measure muscle stiffness was fair to good in hemiplegic patients. Provided the abandoning of involuntary muscle activity, the reproducibility warrants application in clinical practice at an individual level. The use of the model relates this changes to a shortened m. soleus and/or m. gastrocnemius.RelevanceEffective clinical decisions for treatment of equinovarus positioning of the foot in the hemiplegic individual, should consider excessive involuntary contractions of the m. triceps surae complex (i.e., spasticity), as well as shortened muscle tissue resulting in high stiffness. Despite the importance of increased stiffness there have been no validated methods of measurement.     

Quantitative Evaluation of the Effects of Ankle Foot Orthosis on Gait in Children with Cerebral Palsy Using the Gait Profile Score and Gait Variable Scores

Ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) are often used in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) to facilitate and optimise their impaired gait pattern. The aim of this study was to assess quantitatively the effects of AFOs on gait in CP using a summary measure obtained by Gait Analysis (GA): the Gait Profile Score (GPS) with its Gait Variable Scores (GVSs).A total of 21 children with CP (hemiplegic group: 11 children; diplegic group: 10 children) were evaluated barefoot and wearing AFOs using GA; GPS with its GVSs were calculated from GA data. The results evidenced that in diplegic children significant improvements when wearing AFOs were observed at pelvic tilt and ankle dorsi-plantarflexion GVS values; no changes were found as for GPS. The plegic side of hemiplegic children improved significantly globally with AFO, as displayed by the reduction of GPS value; in addition, some reductions were observed in terms of pelvic rotation and obliquity, knee flex-extension and ankle dorsi-plantarflexion GVSs. Significant changes appeared at some GVS values of the non-plegic side, too.Our results showed that, compared with barefoot gait, AFOs enhanced gait strategy in diplegic and hemiplegic children with CP. While GPS, together with GVSs, seems to be a useful method for evaluating immediate effects of AFOs in hemiplegia, in diplegia the improvements are evident only in some GVSs (pelvic tilt and ankle dorsi-plantarflexion) but not in GPS.     

痉挛型脑性瘫痪MRI研究

目的探讨颅脑MRI与脑瘫类型、患儿胎龄之间的关系。方法回顾性分析224例痉挛型脑瘫患儿的MRI检查和临床资料。结果224例患儿痉挛型偏瘫27例、双瘫149例、四肢瘫48例；MRI异常201例（89.7%），其中偏瘫、双瘫、四肢瘫的异常率分别为100%、87.2%和91.7%。痉挛型双瘫以脑室周围白质软化（PVL）最常见，发生率79.2%，其他类型脑损伤少见。痉挛型四肢瘫脑损伤多种多样，以PVL、足月儿类型脑损伤、先天发育畸形为主要表现，发生率分别为45.8%、20.8%和18.8%。足月儿痉挛型偏瘫以半侧损伤为主，临床表现为一侧肢体运动障碍，上肢重，下肢轻；未成熟儿痉挛型偏瘫表现为单侧或双侧PVL，临床表现为下肢重、上肢轻的偏瘫。152例PVL患儿中，发生于未成熟儿108例（71.1%）、足月儿44例（28.9%）。足月儿类型脑损伤22例，发生于足月儿20例（90.9%）。未成熟儿脑损伤类型主要为PVL，主要见于未成熟儿脑瘫，也可发生于足月儿脑瘫。足月儿类型脑损伤主要见于足月儿脑瘫，未成熟儿少见。结论颅脑MRI表现与脑瘫的类型、出生胎龄密切相关。     

步态诱发功能性电刺激改善痉挛型双瘫型脑瘫患儿下肢运动功能的疗效观察

摘要 目的：探讨功能性电刺激（FES）对痉挛型双瘫型脑瘫患儿下肢功能的影响。 方法：25例痉挛型双瘫型脑瘫患儿随机分为FES组（n=14）及对照组（n=11）,两组均进行运动训练、物理疗法等。对照组在此基础上进行步行训练30min,每天1次,每周5d,共12周。前6周FES组在此基础上应用FES对双侧腓总神经进行神经肌肉电刺激（NMES）治疗,同时进行步行训练30min,每天1次,每周5d。后6周FES组在此基础上进行步行训练30min,每天1次,每周5d。在治疗前、治疗6周和治疗12周后,分别进行腓肠肌痉挛评分（改良Ashworth 分值,MAS）、踝关节主动背屈活动度（ROM）和粗大运动功能量表（GMFM-88）之D区（站立）、E区（走跑跳）评定。 结果：两组患儿治疗6周和12周后,踝关节ROM增加,GMFM之D区（站立）评分提高,与各自治疗前相比,差异均有显著性意义(P<0.05或0.01);FES组患儿治疗6周和12周后,对照组患儿治疗12周后,MAS评分及GMFM-88之E区分值均优于治疗前(P<0.05或0.01)。治疗6周和12周后,FES组MAS、踝关节ROM及GMFM-88之D区（站立）、E区（走跑跳）等指标均优于对照组,差异有显著性意义（P<0.05或0.01）。 结论：FES配合康复功能训练能降低痉挛型双瘫型脑瘫患儿的下肢肌张力,增加踝关节活动度,提高下肢运动功能。     

Effects of botulinum toxin A therapy with electrical stimulation on spastic calf muscles in children with cerebral palsy

OBJECTIVE: To assess the additive effect of adjuvant electrical stimulation on botulinum toxin A injection in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. DESIGN: Eighteen children with dynamic foot equinus deformity were treated with botulinum toxin A injection into the calf muscles. Seven children were assigned to a treatment group who received botulinum toxin A and adjuvant electrical stimulation, and 11 children were assigned to a control group with botulinum toxin injection only. Before botulinum injection, and at 2 wks and 3 mos after injection, the Physician Rating Scale, passive ranges of ankle and knee motion, and the modified Ashworth scale were measured. RESULTS: A significant increase in passive range of ankle motion was observed at 2 wks after injection in the treatment group and at 3 mos after injection in both groups. Both groups showed significant improvements by the modified Ashworth scale at 2 wks after injection. Subscales of the Physician Rating Scale (equinus foot, crouched gait) and total Physician Rating Scale scores were significantly improved in the treatment group at 3 mos after injection, but this was not observed in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant electrical stimulation for a short period after botulinum toxin A injection was found to benefit early improvement of range of motion and maintenance of gait improvement in children with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy showing dynamic equinus.     

脑干听觉诱发电位在痉挛型脑性瘫痪患儿中的应用探讨

目的　探讨脑干听觉诱发电位在痉挛型脑瘫患儿中的应用价值。方法　依据脑瘫诊断标准 ,将 58例痉挛型脑瘫患儿分为双瘫组、双重性偏瘫组及四肢瘫组 ,同时选取 2 8例正常儿童作为对照组 ,并比较各组间脑干听觉诱发电位 (BAEP)的差异。结果　痉挛型脑瘫患儿中 ,双重性偏瘫及四肢瘫患儿的BAEP异常率明显高于双瘫组 (P均 <0 .0 1 )。结论　脑干听觉诱发电位有助于早期发现脑瘫患儿存在的听力障碍 ,同时也可为脑瘫患儿的预后提供客观依据     

深层肌肉刺激疗法对痉挛型双瘫患儿步态的影响

目的:研究深层肌肉刺激疗法对痉挛型双瘫患儿步态的影响。方法:将32例痉挛型双瘫患儿随机分为观察组和对照组各16例。2组均进行常规康复训练,观察组在此基础上给予深层肌肉刺激治疗,分别于治疗前和治疗12周后使用三维步态分析仪进行步态分析。结果:治疗12周后,2组步幅、步速均较治疗前有明显增加(均P<0.05),且治疗后观察组患儿步幅、步速均较对照组高(均P<0.05),其余各项参数2组间比较均差异无统计学意义。2组髋关节最大伸展角度和踝关节最大跖屈角度均较治疗前明显增大(均P<0.05),观察组膝关节最大屈曲角度、踝关节最大跖屈角度均较对照组明显增大(均P<0.05),且观察组膝关节最大伸展角度较治疗前及对照组均明显增大(均P<0.05),其余各项参数在统计学上无显著性差异。结论:在常规康复疗法的基础上,应用深层肌肉刺激疗法能改善痉挛型双瘫患儿步态,是痉挛型双瘫患儿康复的一种有效方法和手段。     

COMBINATION TAPING TECHNIQUE VERSUS ANKLE FOOT ORTHOSIS ON IMPROVING GAIT PARAMETERS IN SPASTIC CEREBRAL PALSY: A CONTROLLED RANDOMIZED STUDY

BackgroundOne of the important goals in the treatment of spastic cerebral palsy is to maintain efficient and effective walking in order to be independent in activities and participate in society.ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of foot combination taping of kinesio tape and athletic tape vs ankle foot orthosis in correcting spatiotemporal gait parameters in children with spastic diplegia.MethodsThirty-six children with spastic diplegia were randomly assigned into 3 groups; control, combination taping, and ankle foot orthosis groups. Children in the control group, in addition to those in both experimental groups, continued with conventional physical therapy, 1 h, 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were assessed with the GAITRite system before and after the application of interventions.ResultsThere were significant increases in walking velocity, step length, stride length, right single support duration, and left single support duration of the ankle foot orthosis and combination taping groups compared with pre-intervention values. Moreover, the post-intervention values of the double support duration of the ankle foot orthosis and combination taping groups were significantly lower than pre-intervention values. There were no significant differences between the post-intervention values of the ankle foot orthosis and combination taping groups for all parameters.ConclusionThe results demonstrated that combination taping is an effective alternative technique to ankle foot orthosis to improve spatiotemporal parameters in children with spastic diplegic in combination with conventional physiotherapy.LAY ABSTRACTChildren with cerebral palsy have abnormal patterns of walking secondary to spasticity, which can negatively affect their functional abilities and quality of life. Several therapeutic interventions are used, with the aim of improving gait quality in those children so that they become independent in functional activities and can participate in society. This study compared the effectiveness of ankle bracing with the application of a combination taping on gait parameters. The results showed that both interventions are equally effective. Combination taping might be considered a promising alterative to ankle joint bracing, as it is a more functional and less aggressive technique.Key words: combination taping, ankle foot orthosis, gait parameters, cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong motor impairment caused by an early brain injury. Depending on the dominant neurological signs of children with CP, the condition is classified as spastic, ataxic, athetoid, or flaccid (1). More than 70% of children with CP are spastic (2). Gait in children with spastic CP is frequently associated with abnormal gait kinematics, linked to increased walking energy cost, which may lead to activity limitations (3).Plantar flexion in the ankle at the beginning of standing and in all phases of walking is one1 of the most common dynamic musculoskeletal deformities in children with spastic CP, which could be accompanied by additional abnormal joint positions of the lower extremities (4). The ability to maintain proper joint alignment of the lower extremity, and monitor the position of the foot while standing and walking, are critical prerequisites for gait in children with CP (5).Lower extremity orthosis, such as ankle foot orthosis (AFO) is widely recommended in children with spastic CP to prevent the progression of the deformity and to improve the child’s gait efficiency (6). The solid AFO maximizes control by restricting both plantarflexion and dorsiflexion movements in the stance and swing phases. Its rigid structure prevents ankle rocker function and reduces excessive plantarflexion during the stance phase, thus facilitating clearance of the toes during the swing phase (7). The benefits of wearing an AFO on gait parameters in children with spastic CP have already been documented in the literature (8).Athletic and Kinesio tapes are the 2 most common types of tape used in clinical settings. Both can be used on patients with orthopaedic or neurological dysfunctions. Athletic tape is a rigid/inelastic tape that restricts movement, while Kinesio tape is a form of flexible/elastic tape. Researchers have used them for similar purposes, such as spasticity control, muscle function facilitation, and joint stabilization (9). Furthermore, studies suggest that rigid tape is more effective than elastic tape at controlling joint mobility (10).The use of Kinesio taping in paediatric rehabilitation has become increasingly popular in recent years. Recent systematic reviews reported moderate evidence that Kinesiology taping is a valuable complement to physiotherapy treatment in better-performing children with CP (11, 12). Combination taping is a technique first introduced by Kenzo et al. (13), in which Kinesio tape is combined with rigid athletic tape to maximize the treatment benefits. This approach remains briefly addressed in the literature with no prior studies has examined the effects of combination tapings of Kinesio tape and athletic tape in the CP paediatric population. Hence, this study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of foot combined taping vs AFO in correcting spatiotemporal gait parameters in spastic CP children with equinus deformity.     

Does microcurrent stimulation increase the range of movement of ankle dorsiflexion in children with cerebral palsy?

Aim:?To determine whether microcurrent stimulation (MENS) increases the range of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint in children with cerebral palsy.

Design:?Twelve children with spastic hemiplegia (age range 4.5 to 16 years) with moderate myocontracture of the triceps surae, received MENS for 1?h five times a week for 4 weeks. An equally long baseline period was preceded. The assessments were: active and passive ROM of ankle dorsiflexion, popliteal flexion and ankle dorsiflexion in maximal flexion of knees in standing position while maintaining the heels in contact with the floor, one foot standing and hopping on one foot.

Results:?After the treatment with MENS, the passive ROM of ankle dorsiflexion with both knees flexed and extended (p?<?0.001) increased significantly. Increases were also observed in popliteal flexion (p?<?0.001) and ankle dorsiflexion (p?=?0.0012) during maximal flexion of the knees in a standing position. The ROM of active dorsiflexion with the knee flexed (p?<?0.05) and one foot standing (p?<?0.05) also improved. Children and parents found this treatment easy to carry out.

Conclusions:?MENS relieves myocontracture and can enhance conventional rehabilitation programmes for children with cerebral palsy.     

超声引导和徒手肌肉定位法用于A型肉毒毒素治疗脑卒中患者痉挛性足下垂内翻的临床效果

目的:比较超声引导下注射和徒手肌肉定位法在肉毒毒素注射治疗脑卒中患者足下垂内翻的临床效果。方法:46例符合纳入标准的脑卒中后足下垂内翻患者,随机分为A组和B组,38例完成本研究。A组(n=18),接受徒手定位注射;B组(n=20),接受超声引导注射。两组均注射A型肉毒毒素300U到腓肠肌、比目鱼肌、胫骨后肌。在患者注射前,注射后第2、4、8、12周采用改良Ashworth量表(MAS)、医生评价量表(PRS)、步速、踝关节被动活动度(背屈、外翻)评价临床效果。结果:组内比较,注射后各评价指标比注射前进步,差异有显著性意义(P<0.05)。比较两组间的进步值,B组在第4周时MAS、PRS、步速、踝关节被动活动度(背屈、外翻)比A组明显进步(P<0.05);第8周时,MAS、踝关节被动活动度(背屈)比A组明显进步(P<0.05);第12周时,MAS、步速、踝关节被动活动度(外翻)比A组明显进步,差异有显著性意义(P<0.05)。比较两组间各测量指标随时间变化的趋势,差异无显著性意义。结论:A型肉毒毒素注射能改善脑卒中患者足下垂内翻症状,超声引导注射比徒手肌肉定位法在某些方面获得更好的临床效果。     

A型肉毒毒素治疗痉挛型双瘫患儿疗效的表面肌电分析

目的观察A型肉毒毒素(BTX-A)注射治疗痉挛型双瘫前后表面肌电图(sEMG)的变化。方法 50例痉挛型双瘫患儿于小腿三头肌注射BTX-A,治疗前后分别用临床方法和sEMG进行评价。结果 治疗后患儿功能位测试小腿三头肌的肌电积分值降低,测试足背屈角减小。结论 sEMG可以客观评价BTX-A注射后痉挛型双瘫患儿肌张力的变化。     

Relationships between spasticity, strength, gait, and the GMFM-66 in persons with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationships between spasticity, strength, and the functional measures of gait and gross motor function in persons with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy (CP). DESIGN: Retrospective, cross-sectional study. SETTING: Hospital clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-seven participants (49 boys, 48 girls; mean age+/-standard deviation, 9.11+/-4.8 y) with spastic diplegia CP were tested once. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A KinCom dynamometer was used to objectively measure spasticity (ankle plantarflexors, knee flexors, hip adductors) and maximum strength (ankle dorsiflexors and plantarflexors, knee flexors and extensors, hip abductors and adductors). A gait analysis was conducted to evaluate linear variables (gait speed, stride length, cadence) and kinematic variables (ankle dorsiflexion, foot progression, knee and hip flexion, pelvic tilt at initial contact and ankle dorsiflexion, knee and hip flexion, pelvic tilt, trunk rotation range of motion) during gait. Gross motor function was measured using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66) and separately, the GMFM walking, running & jumping dimension. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the relationships between spasticity, strength, gait, and the GMFM (P<.05). RESULTS: Spasticity did not account for a substantial amount of explained variance in gait and gross motor function (up to 8% for the GMFM walking, running & jumping dimension). Moderate to high correlations existed between strength and gait linear data and function, accounting for up to 69% of the explained variance (strength and GMFM-66, r2=.69). CONCLUSIONS: For this cohort of participants with spastic diplegia CP who ambulated with or without an assistive device, strength was highly related to function and explained far more of the variance than spasticity. The results may not be generalized to those with more severe forms of CP.     

A patellar-tendon-bearing orthosis used in pediatric burn rehabilitation.

Burn rehabilitation in children presents a difficult challenge. Hypertrophic scar formation is accelerated in this population due primarily to the growth of normal surrounding tissue. Many patients who develop burn wound contractures of the foot and ankle are rendered nonambulatory. We describe a pediatric patients who developed fixed bilateral equinovarus deformities secondary to thermal injury. A patellar-tendon-bearing orthosis was fabricated for this patient to unload the foot-ankle complex with major weight bearing forces at the patellar tendon and tibial condyles. Through the incorporation of this orthosis with a full therapeutic rehabilitation program, the patient was able to ambulate independently using a rolling walker. We recommend the use of the patellar-tendon-bearing orthosis for those pediatric burn victims who develop foot-ankle contractures to allow for ambulation until such time as additional, more aggressive treatment is tolerated, or on a more permanent basis, if necessary.     

Selective Tibial Neurotomy in the Treatment of Spastic Equinovarus Foot in Hemiplegic Patients: A 2-Year Longitudinal Follow-Up of 30 Cases

Deltombe T, Gustin T. Selective tibial neurotomy in the treatment of spastic equinovarus foot in hemiplegic patients: a 2-year longitudinal follow-up of 30 cases.

Objective

To assess the long-term efficacy of selective tibial neurotomy in the treatment of spastic equinovarus foot in hemiplegic patients.

Design

Intervention study (before-after trial) with an observational design and 2-year follow-up.

Setting

Spasticity group in a university hospital.

Participants

Hemiplegic patients (N=30) with spastic equinovarus foot.

Intervention

A selective neurotomy was performed at the level of the motor nerve branches of the tibial nerve.

Main Outcome Measures

Spasticity (Ashworth scale), muscle strength (Medical Research Council scale), passive ankle dorsiflexion, gait parameters (6 min walking test), and gait kinematics (video assessment) were assessed before and at 2 months, 1 year, and 2 years after selective tibial neurotomy.

Results

Compared with preoperative values, there was a statistically significant decrease in triceps surae spasticity, an increase in gait speed, and a reduction in equinus and varus in swing and stance phases at 2 months postoperatively. This improvement persisted at 1 and 2 years after selective tibial neurotomy. Selective tibial neurotomy does not induce permanent triceps muscle weakness or triceps surae-Achilles' tendon complex shortening.

Conclusion

This study confirms the long-lasting beneficial effect of selective tibial neurotomy on spasticity, gait speed, and equinovarus deformity in the treatment of spastic equinovarus foot in hemiplegic patients.     

The epidemiology of cerebral palsy: incidence, impairments and risk factors

Purpose. Describing the epidemiology of cerebral palsy (CP), its impairments and risk factors.

Method. Literature review 1965 - 2004. Search terms: Cerebral palsy, incidence, prevalence, impairments, risk factors.

Results. In the last 40 years the prevalence of CP has risen to well above 2.0 per 1000 life births. In this time span the proportion of low-birthweight infants rose, the proportion of diplegia decreased, while the proportion of hemiplegia increased. CP is more prevalent in more deprived socio-economic populations. The majority of people with CP have the spastic syndrome of which the diplegic group is the smallest. Dependent on the subgroup of CP, 25 - 80% have additional impairments. A large proportion has some kind of cognitive impairment; the prevalence varies with the type of CP and especially increases when epilepsy is present. Epilepsy is present in 20 - 40%; it is most common among the hemi- and tetraplegics. Sensibility of the hands is impaired in about half. Chronic pain is reported by more than a quarter of the adults. Up to 80% have at least some impairment of speech. Low visual acuity is reported in almost three-quarters of all children. Half of all children have gastrointestinal and feeding problems. Stunted growth occurs in a quarter, while under- or overweight problems are present in half of the children. Almost 70% of people with spastic CP have abnormal brain CT findings; abnormal cranial ultrasounds is most strongly associated with hemiplegia, normal cranial ultrasounds with diplegia. The most important risk factors for CP are low birthweight, intrauterine infections and multiple gestation.     

The epidemiology of cerebral palsy: Incidence,impairments and risk factors

Purpose.?Describing the epidemiology of cerebral palsy (CP), its impairments and risk factors.

Method.?Literature review 1965?–?2004. Search terms: Cerebral palsy, incidence, prevalence, impairments, risk factors.

Results.?In the last 40 years the prevalence of CP has risen to well above 2.0 per 1000 life births. In this time span the proportion of low-birthweight infants rose, the proportion of diplegia decreased, while the proportion of hemiplegia increased. CP is more prevalent in more deprived socio-economic populations. The majority of people with CP have the spastic syndrome of which the diplegic group is the smallest. Dependent on the subgroup of CP, 25?–?80% have additional impairments. A large proportion has some kind of cognitive impairment; the prevalence varies with the type of CP and especially increases when epilepsy is present. Epilepsy is present in 20?–?40%; it is most common among the hemi- and tetraplegics. Sensibility of the hands is impaired in about half. Chronic pain is reported by more than a quarter of the adults. Up to 80% have at least some impairment of speech. Low visual acuity is reported in almost three-quarters of all children. Half of all children have gastrointestinal and feeding problems. Stunted growth occurs in a quarter, while under- or overweight problems are present in half of the children. Almost 70% of people with spastic CP have abnormal brain CT findings; abnormal cranial ultrasounds is most strongly associated with hemiplegia, normal cranial ultrasounds with diplegia. The most important risk factors for CP are low birthweight, intrauterine infections and multiple gestation.     

改良Ashworth量表在痉挛型脑瘫儿童下肢肌张力评定中的信度研究

目的探讨改良Ashworth量表(MAS)在痉挛型脑瘫儿童下肢肌张力评定中的信度。方法31例痉挛型脑瘫患儿纳入研究,其中男性19例,女性12例;平均(51.3±26.8)个月;双瘫20例,四肢瘫7例,偏瘫4例;采用MAS评定患儿左右两侧下肢的内收肌、腘绳肌及比目鱼肌的肌张力。通过比较2名不同评定者评定结果之间以及同一评定者前后评定结果之间的相关性确定MAS测试的信度。结果不同评定者间的信度较低,总体ICC值为0.68;而同一评定者内的信度较高,总体ICC值为0.83。结论MAS用于评定痉挛型脑瘫儿童下肢肌张力时需谨慎。     

体外冲击波治疗脑瘫肌痉挛的疗效观察

目的:观察体外冲击波对脑瘫患儿小腿三头肌痉挛的疗效和安全性。方法:脑瘫肌痉挛患儿50例分为观察组24例和对照组26例,2组均给予常规康复治疗,观察组加用冲击波治疗,治疗前后对2组患儿的被动关节活动度(PROM)、改良的Asworth分级(MAS)、粗大运动功能评分(GMFM)、足底支持面积和足底压力进行评定。结果:观察组治疗1周及4周后,小腿三头肌MAS评分较治疗前明显下降(P<0.05),且呈逐渐下降趋势(P<0.05),且各时间段各项评分均更低于对照组(P<0.05);对照组治疗1周后,小腿三头肌MAS评分及踝关节PROM与治疗前比较差异无统计学意义,治疗4周后,小腿三头肌MAS评分较治疗前及治疗1周时明显下降(P<0.05)。观察组治疗1周及4周后,踝关节PROM、GMFM评分、足底面积及足底压力均较治疗前明显增加(P<0.05),且呈逐渐上升趋势(P<0.05),且各时间段各项评分均更高于对照组(P<0.05);对照组治疗1周后,踝关节PROM、GMFM评分、足底面积及足底压力与治疗前比较差异无统计学意义,治疗4周后,踝关节PROM、GMFM评分、足底面积及足底压力均较治疗前及治疗1周时明显增加(P<0.05)。结论:体外冲击波治疗可以降低脑瘫患儿小腿三头肌张力,缓解肌肉痉挛,改善其粗大运动功能。