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.     

Determinants of Participation in Leisure Activities in Children and Youth with Cerebral Palsy: Systematic Review

Children and youth with cerebral palsy (CP) experience difficulties in their ability to move, problem solve, socialize, and communicate, associated with limitations in activities in all environments. They are at risk for lower participation in social and leisure activities critical in fostering friendships, developing interests, and promoting well-being. Little is known about involvement in leisure activities and their determinants. This systematic review aims to describe participation in leisure activities by children with CP and identify personal and environmental factors that influence participation. The following databases were reviewed—CINAHL, Medline, Cochrane, Web of Science, OTseeker, and REHABDATA—using the keywords participation, cerebral palsy, leisure, and recreation. The literature to date suggests that children with physical disabilities are less involved in leisure activities than their peers; activities are more passive, home based, and lack variety. Several factors influence participation in leisure activities, including age, gender, activity limitations, family preferences and coping, motivation, and environmental resources and supports.     

Hand Function in a Population-Based Sample of Young Children with Unilateral or Bilateral Cerebral Palsy

Aim: To describe aspects of hand function in a population-based sample of young children with clinical signs of unilateral or bilateral cerebral palsy (CP). Method: A cross-sectional study with data from national CP registers in Norway. Manual ability was classified with the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) or Mini-MACS. Hand use in bimanual activities was measured with the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA) for unilateral CP or the newly developed Both Hands Assessment (BoHA) for bilateral CP. Results: From 202 children, 128 (57 females) were included (Mini-MACS/MACS levels I–V, mean age 30.4 months; SD = 12.1). Manual abilities were distributed across levels I–III in unilateral CP and levels I–V in bilateral CP. Variations in AHA and BoHA units were large. One-way ANOVA revealed associations between higher AHA or BoHA units and Mini-MACS/MACS levels of higher ability (p < 0.01) and higher age (p < 0.04). Conclusions: Compared with young children with unilateral CP, children with bilateral CP showed greater variation in Mini-MACS/MACS levels, and both sub-groups showed large variations in AHA or BoHA units. The classifications and assessments used in this study are useful to differentiate young children's ability levels. Such information is important to tailor upper limb interventions to the specific needs of children with CP.     

Effects of Prolonged Standing on Gait in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of prolonged standing on gait characteristics in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Six children with spastic cerebral palsy participated in this study with an average age of 6.5 years (SD = 2.5, range = 4.0–9.8 years). A reverse baseline design (A-B-A) was used over a 9-week period. During phase A, the children received their usual physical therapy treatment. During phase B, children received the prolonged standing program three times per week, in addition to their usual physical therapy treatment. During phase A2, children received their usual physical therapy treatment. Gait analysis and clinical assessment of spasticity were performed before and after each phase. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measurements was used to test for changes in gait measures across the four measurement sessions. Friedman's was used to test for changes in muscle tone (Modified Ashworth Scale) across the four measurement sessions. Stride length (p <.001), gait speed (p <.001), stride time (p <.001), stance phase time (p <.001), double support time (p <.003), muscle tone (p <.02), and peak dorsiflexion angle during midstance (p <.004) improved significantly following the intervention phase. The results of this study demonstrate that the gait pattern of children with cerebral palsy classified as level II or III on the Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) improved by a prolonged standing program. However, these improvements were not maintained at 3 weeks. Further research is necessary with larger sample sizes to replicate these findings and determine specific “dosing” for standing programs to create long-lasting functional effects on gait.     

Reliability of Inclinometer-Derived Passive Range of Motion Measures in Youth with Cerebral Palsy

Aims: This study evaluated, for youth with cerebral palsy (CP), the reliability of passive range of motion (PROM) measures taken with an inclinometer, a device that may be simpler to use than a goniometer. Methods: The PROM for elbow and wrist extension, ankle dorsal flexion (knee flexed 90° and fully extended), and the knee popliteal angle of 30 youth with CP (18 boys, 12 girls, 7.0?±?3.8 years old, classified in Gross Motor Function Classification levels I–V) was measured using an inclinometer. Two physical therapists took the measures during two different sessions, a maximum of 1 week apart. Results: Good mean intra-rater inter-session, inter-rater intra-session, and inter-rater inter-session reliability (ICC = 0.75–0.89), was found for the elbow, ankle, and knee sites. Absolute reliability for these sites and conditions was 7–14° (90% confident) and 10–16° (95% confident). Reliability values for wrist extension were comparable, albeit slight lower. Conclusions: Similar to published values for goniometry, inclinometery yields reliable upper and lower limb PROM measures from ambulatory and non-ambulatory youth with CP whether measures are carried out by different evaluators within or across sessions or whether measures are performed by the same evaluator across sessions.     

Reliable Classification of Functional Profiles and Movement Disorders of Children with Cerebral Palsy

ABSTRACT

Objective: To examine the inter-rater reliability of the Communication Function Classification System (CFCS), Bimanual Fine Motor Function (BFMF), Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe (SCPE) classification tree, and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and periventricular white matter injury (PWMI) aged 4–11 years. Method: Twenty children were assessed by two raters using the four tools, in addition parents undertook ratings on the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS). Kappa statistics were used to calculate the level of agreement between raters’ classifications. Results: Participants comprised 12 males and 8 females with CP and PWMI, mean age 8 years 1 month (standard deviation 2 years 3 months). Inter-rater reliability across the four tools was 0.98 (CFCS, BFMF, and GMFCS) and 0.84 (SCPE). Implications: These findings suggest that these four tools are reasonably robust to inter-rater variability supporting their routine use along with the MACS in clinical and research applications.     

A Systematic Review of Common Physiotherapy Interventions in School-Aged Children with Cerebral Palsy

ABSTRACT

This systematic review focused on the common conventional physiotherapy interventions used with children with cerebral palsy (CP), aged 4 to 18 years, and critically appraised the recent evidence of each of these interventions using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence. The search strategy yielded 34 articles after inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. The investigated physiotherapy interventions included strength and functional training, weight-supported treadmill training (WBSTT), and neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT). A category of treatment dosage was also included. Strength training was the most studied intervention with significant improvements found in the strength of selected muscle groups using dynamometry, with fewer studies showing significant improvement in function. Functional training showed improvements in gross motor function, endurance, and temperospatial measures, such as gait speed and stride length. Nonsignificant trends of improvement on the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and gait velocity were found for WBSTT by a few studies with low levels of evidence (case series). Of three studies that evaluated NDT, one high-level evidence study, i.e., randomized controlled trial (RCT) found significant improvements on the GMFM. All studies reviewing treatment dosage had high levels of evidence (RCTs), yet found no significant differences for different intensities of treatment. These results indicate that the levels of evidence for physiotherapy interventions, particularly strengthening and to a lesser extent functional training, in school-aged children with CP has improved; however, further high-level evidence is needed for other interventions.     

Hoke跟腱滑动延长术治疗小儿脑瘫痉挛型马蹄足

目的 介绍一种治疗小儿脑性瘫冯挛型马蹄足的手术方法及其要点。方法 采用Ｈｏｋｅ跟腱滑动分离延长跟腱,使马蹄足畸形消失。结果 本组１１例共１７足,平均随访５年１１个月,均获得足跟落地的无痛性跖行步态。结论 我们认为该手术操作简便,矫形可靠,疗效肯定。是小儿脑性瘫痉挛型马蹄足较好的治疗方法之一。     

痉挛型脑瘫患儿脑脊液兴奋性、抑制性氨基酸的研究

目的：探讨脑瘫肌痉挛形成的机制及选择性脊神经后根切断术（ＳＰＲ）后脊髓中枢的改变。方法：采用丹酰氯－聚酰胺薄膜层析法，测定了２４例痉挛型脑瘫、３１例非神经系统疾病儿童及１２例ＳＰＲ后脑瘫患儿脑脊液中兴奋性、抑制性氨基酸水平。结果：痉挛型脑瘫患儿脑脊液中γ－氨基丁酸低于对照组（Ｐ＜０．００１），谷氨酸、天冬氨酸高于对照组（Ｐ＜０．００１），谷氨酸与患儿增高的肌张力呈等级正相关；ＳＰＲ后，γ－氨基丁酸、丙氨酸、甘氨酸明显升高，且高于正常组（Ｐ＜０．０５），谷氨酸、天冬氨酸明显下降，且谷氨酸低于正常组（Ｐ＜０．０５）。结论：突触前抑制下降、脊神经后根传入纤维侧支出芽、突触再建在脑瘫肌痉挛形成中起了重要的作用；ＳＰＲ后，脑脊液中兴奋性氨基酸下降、抑制性氨基酸上升与肌痉挛的解除有关，抑制性氨基酸能神经元侧支出芽、突触再建可能参与了脊髓中枢新的抑制易化平衡     

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.     

Factors Associated with Enhanced Gross Motor Progress in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Register-Based Study

Aim: To examine associations between interventions and child characteristics; and enhanced gross motor progress in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: Prospective cohort study based on 2048 assessments of 442 children (256 boys, 186 girls) aged 2–12 years registered in the Cerebral Palsy Follow-up Program and the Cerebral Palsy Register of Norway. Gross motor progress estimates were based on repeated measures of reference percentiles for the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66) in a linear mixed model. Mean follow-up time: 2.9 years. Results: Intensive training was the only intervention factor associated with enhanced gross motor progress (mean 3.3 percentiles, 95% CI: 1.0, 5.5 per period of ≥3 sessions per week and/or participation in an intensive program). Gross motor function was on average 24.2 percentiles (95% CI: 15.2, 33.2) lower in children with intellectual disability compared with others. Except for eating problems (–10.5 percentiles 95% CI: –18.5, –2.4) and ankle contractures by age (–1.9 percentiles 95% CI: –3.6, –0.2) no other factors examined were associated with long-term gross motor progress. Conclusions: Intensive training was associated with enhanced gross motor progress over an average of 2.9 years in children with CP. Intellectual disability was a strong negative prognostic factor. Preventing ankle contractures appears important for gross motor progress.     

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.     

Tactile Assessment in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Clinimetric Review

ABSTRACT

This review evaluates the clinimetric properties of tactile assessments for children with cerebral palsy. Assessment of registration was reported using Semmes Weinstein Monofilaments (SWMs) or exteroception. Assessment of two-point discrimination was reported using the Disk-Criminator® or paperclip methods; Single point localization and double simultaneous were reported from the Neurosensory Motor Developmental Assessment (NSMDA); graphaesthesia was reported from the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT); and stereognosis was assessed using Manual Form Perception from the SIPT and the Klingels method (Klingels, K. et al. (2010). Upper limb motor and sensory impairments in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Can they be measured reliably? Disability and Rehabilitation, 32(5), 409–416) and the Cooper method (Cooper, J., Majnemer, A., Rosenblatt, B., & Birnbaum, R. (1995). The determination of sensory deficits in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Journal of Child Neurology, 10, 300–309). The SIPT and NSMDA demonstrated stronger content validity. Inter-rater reliability was excellent for SIPT (ICC = 0.99) and exteroception (k = 0.88). Test–retest reliability was excellent for exteroception (k = 0.89) and stereognosis (ICC = 0.86; 100%), moderate for SIPT (r = 0.69–0.74) and poor for SWM (k = 0.22). Together these assessments measure tactile registration and spatial perception. Temporal and textural tests are to be developed for comprehensive tactile examination.     

早产儿脑性瘫痪婴儿期症状临床流行病学研究

目的：了解小儿脑性瘫痪婴儿期症状,为儿科医生、儿保医生提供脑瘫的早期筛查、早期诊断线索。方法：对江苏省7县市1～6岁4167例早产儿脑瘫患病率、脑瘫婴儿期症状进行调查,由受过统一培训的儿科医生、儿保医生完成。结果：早产儿脑瘫患病率为 32.9‰,胎龄小于32周的早产儿脑 瘫患病率为34～37周早产儿的3.6倍。脑瘫症状婴儿期的检出率在30%～62%之间,特异度在99.4%以上,准确度在97.2%以上。阳性预测值在80%以上,阴性预测值在97.5%以上。结论：脑瘫婴儿期症状为早产儿脑瘫的早期诊断提供了依据,适用于脑瘫的早期筛查和早期诊断。     

Evaluation of a Child with Cerebral Palsy

Evaluation of a child with cerebral palsy (CP) requires a multidisciplinary approach with a team of professionals comprising of a pediatrician or pediatric neurologist, occupational therapist, a physiotherapist, child psychologist, and a social worker. The assessment is necessary to confirm the diagnosis, determine the cause, assess the motor function and associated problems. The diagnosis of CP is clinical but selected investigations may be required for ascertaining the cause. Evaluation includes assessment for common medical problems of childhood particularly nutritional disorders and assessment of family functioning. Additional disabilities are common. Routine assessment of vision and hearing is required in children with CP. Since CP is a changing disorder, some limitations may not be evident early in life but manifest in the school age or later. The evaluation of a child with CP is an ongoing process and should be a part of continuing care as the child grows from infancy to adolescence     

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.     

Current Rehabilitation Practices for Children with Cerebral Palsy: Focus and Gaps

Aims: To describe the focus of therapy practices in occupational and physical therapy for school-aged children with cerebral palsy, and better understand whether it is congruent with recommended practices. Methods: A Canada-wide Web-based survey was completed by 62 occupational and 61 physical therapists to identify problems, assessments, and treatment interventions for two case-based scenarios. Data were coded using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) definitions for “body functions and structure,” “activity and participation,” and “environment.” Results: Physical therapists, in comparison to occupational therapists, were more likely to select interventions classed in the “body functions and structure” category (34–42% and 18–20%, respectively). Both professions focused on “activity and participation” (34–61%) when identifying problems, assessing, and intervening; attention, however, was mainly directed towards task-oriented activities such as activities of daily living and mobility. Participation in leisure or community-based activities received less attention (2–15%). The environment received limited attention for problems and assessments (4–25%), though it was an important focus of intervention (19–37%). Conclusions: While body functions and structure are well-addressed, other ICF elements, specifically participation, are poorly integrated into practice. The emerging focus on the environment in therapy intervention, by modifying the context rather than changing aspects of the child, is consistent with current approaches and evidence. Knowledge translation implementation initiatives are recommended to bridge identified gaps.     

Pretend Play of Children with Cerebral Palsy

ABSTRACT

Background and Purpose: Evaluate self-initiated pretend play of children with cerebral palsy. Method: Twenty preschool children participated in the study. Pretend play ability was measured by using the child-initiated pretend play assessment culturally adapted to Brazil. Results: There were significant negative correlations between the children's motor severity level and their elaborateness of play with conventional-imaginative and symbolic play materials and a number of object substitutions in symbolic play. This indicated that children with greater motor limitations had diminished play ability. In this sample, 35% of the children showed typical play styles, identified by good scores in elaborate pretend play actions, number of object substitutions, and ability to self-initiate play, whereas 65% showed delay in their play. Implications: The type of pretend play deficits that might be expected in children with cerebral palsy were described. Furthermore, suggested directions for therapeutic intervention to enhance pretend play performance in cerebral palsy children were proposed.