Development of handwriting skill in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP)

Aim.?To investigate the development of handwriting, fine motor skills and school marks in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP) and relate the performance in handwriting skill to age and IQ at a 16-month follow-up.

Method.?Data from 16 children (5 females, 11 males; mean age 11 years 4 months, SD 1 year 6 months, range 8–13 years) with left-sided hemiplegia were collected. The Minnesota Handwriting Assessment (MHA) for handwriting skill, the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP) for fine motor skills, the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Revised (WISC-R) for IQ, the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) and school marks of children were used.

Results.?Handwriting quality, handwriting speed and fine motor skills improved over 16 months but the children with unilateral CP still performed below their peers. School marks did not change. The regression model (Adj. R² == 0.76) revealed that age and IQ were negatively correlated and good predictors for the improvement in handwriting quality. No relationship was found between handwriting speed and age or IQ.

Conclusion.?Children with unilateral CP continued to develop handwriting skill over a longer time period than expected. Age and IQ predicted the rate of development in handwriting quality. Children kept up school marks despite the increasing demands of the succeeding grade.     

Fundamental movement skills testing in children with cerebral palsy

Purpose.?To examine the inter-rater reliability and comparative validity of product-oriented and process-oriented measures of fundamental movement skills among children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method.?In total, 30 children with CP aged 6 to 14 years (Mean == 9.83, SD == 2.5) and classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I–III performed tasks of catching, throwing, kicking, horizontal jumping and running. Process-oriented assessment was undertaken using a number of components of the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2), while product-oriented assessment included measures of time taken, distance covered and number of successful task completions. Cohen's kappa, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and tests to compare correlated correlation coefficients were performed.

Results.?Very good inter-rater reliability was found. Process-oriented measures for running and jumping had significant associations with GMFCS, as did seven product-oriented measures for catching, throwing, kicking, running and jumping. Product-oriented measures of catching, kicking and running had stronger associations with GMFCS than the corresponding process-oriented measures.

Conclusion.?Findings support the validity of process-oriented measures for running and jumping and of product-oriented measures of catching, throwing, kicking, running and jumping. However, product-oriented measures for catching, kicking and running appear to have stronger associations with functional abilities of children with CP, and are thus recommended for use in rehabilitation processes.     

The influence of gait speed on co-activation in unilateral spastic cerebral palsy children

Background

Physiological co-activation of antagonistic muscles during gait allows stability of loaded joints. Excessive co-activation restrains motion and increases energy expenditure. Co-activation is increased by gait speed and in the case of upper motor neuron lesions. This study aimed to assess the pathological component of co-activation in children with unilateral cerebral palsy.

Methods

10 children with unilateral cerebral palsy and 10 typically developing children walked at spontaneous, slow and fast speeds. The spatio-temporal parameters and electromyographic activity of the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, semi-tendinosus, tibialis anterior and soleus of both lower limbs were recorded. A co-activation index was computed from the EMG envelopes. A mixed linear model was used to assess the effect of walking speed on the index of the antagonistic muscle couples (rectus femoris/semi-tendinosus, vastus medialis/semi-tendinosus and tibialis anterior/soleus) in the different limbs.

Findings

A greater effect of walking speed on co-activation was found in the involved limbs of children with cerebral palsy for all muscle couples, compared with their uninvolved limbs and the limbs of typically developing children. In typically developing children, but not in children with cerebral palsy, the effect of gait speed on the co-activation index was lower in the rectus femoris/semi-tendinosus than in the other agonist/antagonist muscle couples.

Interpretations

In children with cerebral palsy, a pathological component of muscle activation might be responsible for the greater increase in co-activation with gait speed in the involved limb. Altered motor control could explain why the co-activation in the rectus femoris/semi-tendinosus couple becomes more sensitive to speed.     

Explicit and implicit motor learning in children with unilateral cerebral palsy

Abstract

Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the capacity for explicit and implicit learning in children with unilateral cerebral palsy.

Participants: Children with left and right unilateral cerebral palsy and typically developing children shuffled disks toward a target.

Design: A prism-adaptation design was implemented, consisting of pre-exposure, prism exposure, and post-exposure phases. Half of the participants were instructed about the function of the prism glasses, while the other half were not.

Measures: For each trial, the distance between the target and the shuffled disk was determined. Explicit learning was indicated by the rate of adaptation during the prism exposure phase, whereas implicit learning was indicated by the magnitude of the negative after-effect at the start of the post-exposure phase.

Results No significant effects were revealed between typically developing participants and participants with unilateral cerebral palsy. Comparison of participants with left and right unilateral cerebral palsy demonstrated that participants with right unilateral cerebral palsy had a significantly lower rate of adaptation than participants with left unilateral cerebral palsy, but only when no instructions were provided. The magnitude of the negative after-effects did not differ significantly between participants with right and left unilateral cerebral palsy.

Conclusions: The capacity for explicit motor learning is reduced among individuals with right unilateral cerebral palsy when accumulation of declarative knowledge is unguided (i.e., discovery learning). In contrast, the capacity for implicit learning appears to remain intact among individuals with left as well as right unilateral cerebral palsy.

• Implications for rehabilitation

• Implicit motor learning interventions are recommended for individuals with cerebral palsy, particularly for individuals with right unilateral cerebral palsy

• Explicit motor learning interventions for individual with cerebral palsy – if used – best consist of singular verbal instruction.

     

Mastery motivation: a way of understanding therapy outcomes for children with unilateral cerebral palsy

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the impact of mastery motivation on occupational performance outcomes immediately following upper limb (UL) training and 6 months post-intervention for school-aged children with unilateral cerebral palsy. Method: This prediction study was a post-hoc analysis of a matched pairs randomized comparison trial (COMBiT Trial Registration: ACTRN12613000181707). The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was administered at baseline, 13 and 26 weeks post-intervention. Parents completed the Dimensions of Mastery Questionnaire (DMQ), Parenting Scale and a demographic questionnaire. Children’s UL capacity and performance was assessed using the Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral UL Function and assisting hand assessment (AHA). Regression models were fitted using generalized estimating equations to baseline, 13 and 26 week measurements. Results: Forty-six children (7.78 years SD 2.27 years, 31 males, Manual Ability Classification System I?=?23, II?=?23) participated. Higher levels of bimanual performance (AHA: β?=?0.03, p?<?0.001), greater object-oriented persistence (DMQ: β?=?0.31, p?=?0.05), and treatment group allocation (Standard Care: β?=?0.24, p?=?0.01) were positively associated with COPM performance scores post-intervention. Conclusions: Children’s bimanual performance and persistence with object-oriented tasks significantly impact occupational performance outcomes following UL training. Predetermining children’s mastery motivation along with bimanual ability may assist in tailoring of intervention strategies and models of service delivery to improve effectiveness.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• Children’s object persistence and bimanual performance both impact upper limb training outcomes

• Working with children’s motivational predispositions may optimize engagement and therapy outcomes.

• Supporting positive parenting styles may enhance a child’s mastery motivation and persistence with difficult tasks.

     

The reliability,responsiveness and clinical utility of the proximat: A new tool for measuring hip range of movement in children with cerebral palsy

Background and Purpose . Monitoring range of movement is a key aspect of managing hip problems in children with cerebral palsy. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical utility, reliability and responsiveness of a new measurement tool, the Proximat, for hip range of movement. Method . Passive hip abduction, adduction, medial and lateral rotation were measured by using the Proximat on 26 children with cerebral palsy attending three special schools: 16 of whom are boys, mean age = 7 years and 6 months (standard deviation = 4.2 years), range 2–15 years. Testing was undertaken by two physiotherapists to assess interrater reliability and repeated the following day to assess test–retest reliability. Total, random and systematic errors were calculated for interrater and test–retest. Results . The Proximat was quick and easy to use and acceptable to the children. High reliability was found for all movements (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.83–0.93) with reasonable responsiveness; total error was 2.5–12 degrees. Most of the error was random with little evidence of systematic bias. Conclusions . The Proximat is a reliable, responsive and acceptable method of measuring passive hip movements in children with cerebral palsy in day‐to‐day clinical practice. A change of 8–12 degrees is needed to overcome measurement error and to indicate that a ‘true’ change in range of movement has occurred. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Implementation of constraint-induced movement therapy for young children with unilateral cerebral palsy in Jordan: a home-based model

Purpose.?The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of implementing constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) in Jordan, a country with a different culture to that of the western world where CIMT has previously been investigated.

Method.?Twenty children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP) were randomised to either CIMT or neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT). NDT is the usual treatment method in Jordan for children with CP and was used in the control group. Fourteen children fulfilled the treatment; mean age was 47 months (SD 19 months) in the CIMT group and 65 months (SD26 months) in the NDT group. Jordanian therapists learned the CIMT method in a 2-day workshop. CIMT was based on 2-h per day for eight weeks, with the families being responsible for the training aside from a weekly session with the therapist, i.e. a home-based model. Children in the NDT group had 2?h of training per week by therapists.

Results.?Hand function, measured with Assisting Hand Assessment on a scale of 0–100 AHA-units, improved from 41.6 (12.6) to 48 (11.6) in the CIMT group and from 56 (18.7) to 56.6 (18.8) among controls. ANOVA show a group effect of treatment (F(1,12) == 7.77; p == 0.016).

Conclusions.?A treatment effect of CIMT can be seen after a 2-day workshop in a novel environment.     

42例痉挛型脑瘫患儿的步态分析

目的 探讨痉挛型脑瘫患儿的步态分析及其在脑瘫康复中的作用。方法 采用三维力台测试、红外摄相等技术,为42例脑瘫患儿做步态分析。得出时间历程、力台参数、关节角度变化范围3项数据。结果 对3项数据做统计学处理,表明各型别之间无显著性差异（P＞0．05）。结论 痉挛型脑瘫患儿的步态分析表现个体差异较大,对脑瘫康复的评价、训练、治疗、疗效评估均有一定帮助。     

太空衣对不随意运动型脑性瘫痪患儿的疗效研究

目的：观察太空衣对不随意运动型脑性瘫痪患儿的临床疗效。方法:将符合纳入标准的不随意运动型脑性瘫痪患儿随机分为2组,每组14例，对照组采用运动学分析评估及康复训练方法,观察组在对照组基础上增加太空衣治疗。在康复治疗3个月前后分别采用日常生活能力的 Barthel 指数、手功能分级系统评定（MACS）、日常生活能力和手功能。结果：治疗前2组的Barthel 指数、MACS评定均无统计学意义。治疗后，2组Barthel 指数评分与治疗前同组组内比较均明显提高，差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）；治疗后，2组Barthel 指数评分进行组间比较，观察组明显高于对照组，差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。治疗后，2组 MACS评级均较治疗前差异有统计学意义（P<0.05），2组间比较差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。观察组总变化率明显高于对照组（28.57%、14.29%， P<0.05)。结论:运动学分析评估及康复训练方法配合太空衣能加强不随意运动型脑性瘫痪患儿手功能能力，提高脑瘫患儿的日常生活能力。     

Movement deviation and asymmetry assessment with three dimensional gait analysis of both upper- and lower extremity results in four different clinical relevant subgroups in unilateral cerebral palsy

Background

In unilateral cerebral palsy, movement pattern can be difficult to define and quantify. The aim was to assess the degree of deviation and asymmetry in upper and lower extremities during walking.

Methods

Forty-seven patients, 45 Gross Motor Function Classification Scale (GMFCS) I and 2 patients GMFCS II, mean age 17.1 years (range 13.1 to 24.0) and 15 matched controls were evaluated. Gait profile score (GPS) and arm posture score (APS) were calculated from three-dimensional gait analysis (GA). Asymmetry was the calculated difference in deviation between affected and unaffected sides.

Findings

The GPS was significantly increased compared to the control group on the affected side (6.93 (2.08) versus 4.23 (1.11) degrees) and on the unaffected side (6.67 (2.14)). The APS was also significantly increased on the affected side (10.39 (5.01) versus 5.52 (1.71) degrees) and on the unaffected side (7.13 (2.23)). The lower extremity asymmetry increased (significantly) in comparison with the control group (7.89 (3.82) versus 3.90 (1.01)) and correspondingly in the upper extremity (9.75 (4.62) versus 5.72 (1.84)). The GPS was not different between affected and unaffected sides, however the APS was different (statistically significant).

Interpretation

We calculated deviation and asymmetry of movement during walking in unilateral CP, identifying four important clinical groups: close to normal, deviations mainly in the leg, deviations mainly in the arm and those with deviation in the arm and leg. This method can be applied to any patient group, and aid in diagnosing, planning treatment, and prognosis.     

Efficacy of constraint-induced movement therapy and electrical stimulation on hand function of children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy: a controlled clinical trial

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of constraint therapy, constraint therapy plus electrical stimulation, and occupational therapy in the treatment of hand dysfunction. Methods: Sixty-eight children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy were randomly allocated to constraint therapy, constraint therapy plus electrical stimulation, and occupational therapy group. Three groups received 2 weeks of treatment. All participants were measured at baseline and 2 weeks, 3 and 6 months after treatment using measures of active ROM, grip strength, nine-peg hole test, upper extremity functional test, Peabody developmental motor scales (PDMS), globe rating scale, and social life ability scale. Results: Three groups improved significantly (p < 0.05). The mean improvements between baseline and the end of follow-up were respectively 12.4, 11.4 and 11.3 degrees for active ROM; 12.8, 10.5 and 8.8 mmHg for grip strength; ?22.3, ?30.7 and ?14.0 s for nine-peg hole test; 15.3, 10.3 and 10.4 for upper extremity functional test scores; 2.2, 1.8 and 1.8 for grasping scores of PDMS; 5.8, 3.7 and 2.8 for visual-motor integration scores of PDMS; 2.0, 2.5 and 0.9 for globe rating scale scores; 7.7, 5.7 and 5.3 for social life ability scale scores in constraint therapy plus electrical stimulation, constraint therapy, and occupational therapy group. The constraint therapy plus electrical stimulation group showed greater rate of improvement in upper extremity functional test scores (p < 0.05) and visual-motor integration scores of PDMS (p < 0.05) than the other two groups after treatment for 6 months. Conclusions: Constraint therapy plus electrical stimulation is likely to be best in improving hand performance in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy have major hand dysfunction problems that not only restrict activity and participation but also lead to secondary impairment.

• Constraint therapy, constraint therapy plus electrical stimulation and occupational therapy, is the technique available to these children. However, strong evidence for efficacy of the three interventions is still lacking.

• This study shows that all the three interventions improve hand performance and perceived changes. However, constraint therapy plus electrical stimulation is the most effective. Use of constraint therapy is advantageous in improving involved hand function and perceived changes.

     

基于中文版上肢技巧质量测试的改良强制性运动疗法对偏瘫型脑性瘫痪儿童上肢功能的效果

目的 探讨基于中文版上肢技巧质量测试(Ch-QUEST)的改良强制性运动疗法(mCIMT)对偏瘫型脑瘫儿童上肢功能的影响。方法 选取2021年1月至11月在徐州市康复医院儿童康复科门诊治疗的40例偏瘫型脑瘫儿童,随机分为对照组(n=20)和观察组(n=20)。对照组进行常规上肢功能训练,观察组在此基础上增加基于Ch-QUEST的mCIMT,共12周。治疗前后采用Ch-QUEST、Peabody精细运动发育量表(PDMS-FM)和儿童功能独立性评定量表(WeeFIM)进行评定。结果 治疗后,两组Ch-QUEST评分、PDMS-FM原始分评分、WeeFIM评分均较治疗前明显提高(|t|> 3.432, P <0.01),且观察组各评分均优于对照组(t> 2.032, P <0.05)。结论 基于Ch-QUEST的mCIMT可改善偏瘫型脑瘫儿童上肢功能。     

手-臂双侧徒手强化训练治疗脑瘫患儿上肢功能障碍

目的：探讨手-臂双侧徒手强化训练（HABIT ）对脑瘫患儿上肢运动功能的影响。方法：脑瘫患儿84例,分为对照组和观察组各42例。在常规康复治疗的基础上,对照组采用常规作业治疗,观察组采用 HABIT 治疗。采用上肢功能评定量表（QUEST ）和能力低下患儿评定量表（PEDI）进行评定。结果：治疗2周后,2组各量表评分均有所提高,但同期组间及组内比较,差异并无统计学意义;治疗4周后,观察组各量表评分较治疗前明显提高,且各值均明显高于对照组（P＜0．05）,对照组QUEST量表承重及保护性伸展部分与治疗前差别无统计学意义,其余各项评分及PEDI评分均明显提高（ P＜0．05）。不同年龄组患儿比较,2组各量表评估分数增加值显著不同（ P＜0．05）。结论：在常规康复治疗基础上,与常规OT 治疗相比,HABIT 方法能更好地提高脑瘫患儿的上肢功能,且较小年龄组患儿进步较快。     

436例脑瘫患儿的脑电图分析

目的 :探讨脑瘫患儿的脑电图与脑瘫型别、瘫痪类型、脑瘫程度及并发症之间的关系。方法 :采用国际 10 / 2 0导系统电极放置法 ,为 436例脑瘫患儿做脑电图检查和分析。结果 :脑瘫患儿的脑电图异常率为 72 .7% ,手足徐动型脑瘫的脑电图异常率较低 ,偏瘫组的脑电图异常率较高 ,重度脑瘫组的脑电图异常率较高 ,伴有癫痫发作、智力障碍、小头畸形患儿的脑电图异常率较高。结论 :脑瘫患儿的脑电图异常率与大脑损伤的部位和程度有关。     

Effects of Kinesio taping in rectus femoris activity and sit-to-stand movement in children with unilateral cerebral palsy: placebo-controlled,repeated-measure design

Background: Although it has been commonly used in rehabilitation sets, there is a lack of studies verifying the effects of Kinesio taping to improve functionality in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). This information would promote evidence-based practice.

Purpose: To verify the effects of Kinesio taping in the performance of sit-to-stand movement in children with unilateral CP.

Methods and materials: A blinded, single placebo-controlled and repeated-measure design. The setting was the rehabilitation clinic of the university and care facilities. A total of 11 children from 6 to 12 years of age (mean: 10.5 years; standard deviation: 2.8 years) and classified as levels I and II by the Gross Motor Function Classification System were included. Kinesio taping was applied over the rectus femoris of the affected limb. Three taping conditions were used: Kinesio taping, without Kinesio taping and placebo. Three seat heights were used: neutral (100%), lowered (80%), and elevated (120%). Muscle activity (electromyography) and trunk and lower limb alignment (kinematics) were evaluated as body structures and function measures. The time required to perform sit-to-stand was used as a functionality measure. Mixed analysis of variation (ANOVA) measured angular variables of the hip, knee, ankle, and rectus femoris activity. Repeated ANOVA measured angular variables of trunk and pelvis and total duration. Significance was accepted for values of p?≤?0.05.

Results: Kinesio taping increased rectus femoris activity, decreased peak flexion of the trunk, knee, hip, and ankle, and increased trunk extension in the end of sit-to-stand when compared with without Kinesio taping and placebo. Total duration was decreased with lower effect sizes.

Conclusions: Immediate application of Kinesio taping modified body structures and function measures during sit-to-stand in children with unilateral CP, but it did not alter functionality.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• Evidence-based practice about the use of Kinesio taping in Cerebral Palsy.

• Knowledge about alternative rehabilitation techniques in Cerebral Palsy.

• Knowledge about sensory stimulation in Cerebral Palsy.

• Effectiveness of Kinesio taping in muscle activation.

     

生物反馈综合治疗促进痉挛性双瘫型脑瘫患儿下肢运动功能的疗效观察

目的 探讨生物反馈综合治疗对痉挛性双瘫型脑瘫患儿下肢运动功能障碍的疗效.方法 将37例痉挛性双瘫型脑瘫患儿随机分为观察组17例和对照组20例.除进行常规康复训练和药物治疗外,观察组对患儿双下肢进行生物反馈刺激,治疗前后进行粗大运动功能测量量表(GMFM)中的D项和E项评定.结果 治疗后两组患儿的观察指标均有不同程度改善(P＜0.01),但观察组疗效优于对照组(P＜0.05).结论 生物反馈综合治疗可明显提高脑瘫患儿下肢运动功能.     

上田正法治疗脑性瘫痪儿童的疗效初步评价

目的通过对上田正法的应用,探讨及评价治疗脑性瘫痪(CP)儿童的新方法。方法对22例8个月～10.8岁的CP儿作治疗前,后的运动功能变化进行动态观察及量化评价,并以同期年龄相对应的15例CP儿应用Vojta等法治疗作对照(包括单用上田正法11例,单用Vojta等法4例,自身对照11例,即先用Vojta法后用上田正法）。结果上田正法治疗后运动功能发育评价较治疗前增加10分,Vojta等法治疗后增加8分/月(P>0.05）。对重度,极重度CP儿两种方法分别增加11分/月,7分/月(P<0.05）。结论上田正法亦是治疗小儿CP的有效方法,且优于Vojta等法,尤其是对以前Vojta等法较棘手的重度CP儿也有较好的疗效。     

Feasibility of using a large amplitude movement therapy to improve ambulatory function in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of motor disability among children. Limited evidence exists regarding the efficacy of traditional rehabilitation strategies on improving ambulatory function in this population. The purpose of the study was to investigate the feasibility and short-term effects of a novel large amplitude movement therapy on ambulatory functions in children with CP. Temporal-spatial gait characteristics were examined before and after a single intervention session, replicated over five children. Five children with CP (7.0?±?1.0 years); Gross Motor Function Classification System Levels I–II, participated. Baseline gait parameters were obtained as the participant walked across an instrumented walkway at self-selected and fast speeds. Children then participated in a 20–30?min intervention focused on making body and limb movements as large as possible with gait assessment repeated immediately. All children tolerated testing and therapy with no adverse effects. Outcomes after one intervention included: significantly greater stride velocity; reduced double support time; and greater stride length after training for three of the five participants. Results for this pilot study suggested that the large amplitude movement therapy was feasible for children with CP. There is a need for a larger scale study to determine if the protocol can be effective at an appropriate clinical dose.     

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.