Combined sensory integration therapy plus neurodevelopmental therapy (NT) versus NT alone for motor and attention in children with Down syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

In this study, we aimed to analyze the incremental effects of sensory integration therapy (SIT) plus neurodevelopmental therapy (NT) versus NT alone on the attention and motor skills in children with Down syndrome (DS). We randomly assigned into experimental (i.e. SIT + NT; n = 21) and control (i.e. NT alone; n = 21) groups. While NT was applied to both groups for six weeks, SIT was applied simultaneously to the experimental group for six weeks. Participants' motor functions (Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Short form (BOT-2 SF)) and attention skills (Stroop TBAG (Turkish Scientific and Technological Research Association) Form) were evaluated before and after treatment (6 weeks later). Stroop TBAG and BOT-2 SF scores of the groups were similar at the baseline (p > 0.05). Significant improvement from baseline was observed in both BOT-2 SF, and Stroop TBAG results in both groups (p < 0.05). In addition, the improvement in both BOT-2 SF and Stroop TBAG results was found to be greater in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < 0.01). There were clear advantages to adding SIT to NT alone when seeking to improve motor and attention skills in children with DS.

The Effects of Trunk Impairment on Fatigue and Balance in Children with Cerebral Palsy.

Cerebral palsy (CP) involves trunk impairment, leading to decreased postural control that is an important contributor to problems maintaining daily activities without undue fatigue. Our aim in this research was to determine the effects of trunk impairment on fatigue and balance in children with hemiplegic CP. We included 65 ambulatory children with CP in this cross-sectional study, and we grouped them into those with greater trunk impairment (Group 1, n = 33) and lesser trunk impairment (Group 2, n = 32) according to their scores on the Trunk Imparment Scale (TIS). We assessed their fatique level using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ Version 4.0 Multidimensional Fatigue Scale (PedsQL-MFS), and their balance ability using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS). We found that the PedsQL-MFS parameters, except the general and cognitive fatigue scores, were significantly better for participants in Group 2 than in Group 1; however Group 2 showed significantly higher scores for balance ability than did Group 1 (p < .001). All of the TIS parameters were significantly correlated with sleep/rest fatigue, and PBS scores and trunk coordination were also significantly correlated with general fatigue (p = .013) and cognitive fatigue (p = .003) which are subparameters of the PedsQL-MFS and PBS (p < .001). However static balance was highly and negatively correlated with cognitive fatigue (p < .037).Increased trunk impairment contributed to the exacerbation of fatigue and balance problems in children with hemiplegic CP. Inadequate trunk control was associated with poor sleep and poor resting quality rather than perceived general and cognitive fatigue.

Short and Long-Term Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Spasticity and Motor Performance in Children With Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy.

This study aimed to investigate the short and long-term effects of Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) therapy on spasticity and motor performance in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy. We recruited 26 patient participants from among children undergoing conventional physiotherapy in a private rehabilitation center. We randomly assigned 22 participants to equally sized treatment (n = 11) and control (n = 11) groups. We evaluated the participants at the beginning of the study with the Gross Motor Function Measure-88, LEGSys™ Spatio-Temporal Gait Analyzer, SportKAT550™ Portable Computerized Kinesthetic Balance Device and the Modified Ashworth Scale. While children in the treatment group were treated with Compex-Winplate™ to administer WBV in three 15-minute sessions per week for eight weeks, children in the control group received continued conventional physiotherapy during this period. We then re-evaluated all participants both immediately after the treatment and again 12 weeks after the treatment. Following WBV, both gross motor functions and gait and balance skills were significantly improved (p < 0.05), and spasticity in lower and upper extremity muscles was significantly inhibited (p < 0.05). These improvements were preserved even after 12 weeks. We conclude that WBV is an effective incremental approach to conventional physiotherapy in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy for inhibiting spasticity and improving motor performance.

Yoga versus home exercise program in children with enthesitis related arthritis: A pilot study.

PURPOSE: The aim was to compare the effects of yoga and home exercise program on lower extremity functional status, pain, and quality of life in children with enthesitis related arthritis (ERA). METHODS: Twenty-one children with ERA were divided into two groups as yoga (n = 11) and home exercise (n = 10). Yoga group performed supervised yoga exercises twice a week for eight weeks. Home exercise group performed video-based exercises for the same period. Pain in rest and activity, lower extremity functional status, and quality of life were evaluated at baseline and following eight weeks. RESULTS: The groups were similar at baseline (p > 0.05). All the parameters, except parent reported quality of life, significantly improved in yoga group (p < 0.05), where only stair climb test times significantly improved in home exercise group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Yoga seems promising for improving lower extremity functional status, pain, and quality of life as an exercise intervention in rehabilitation programs of children with ERA.

Investigation of the relationship between quality of life, activity participation and environmental factors in adolescents with cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between quality of life, activity-participation and environmental factors in adolescents with cerebral palsy. METHODS: Seventy-five (75) adolescents (M:45, F:30) aged between 14-18 years (mean: 15.52±1.60 yrs) were included in the study. Participants were divided into three groups: Level I, Level II and Level III according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System. Gross Motor Function Classification System, Gross Motor Function Measure, Functional Independence Scale, Manual Ability Classification System, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory and International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Child-Youth version Short Form (ICF-CY) (14-18 yrs) were used for assessments. RESULTS: It is found that there is a moderate and high level of correlation between quality of life and activity participation and body functions, a moderate and high level of correlation between quality of life and activity participation and body functions with gross motor function levels, and a moderate and low level correlation between environmental factors and gross motor function levels (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The fact that the ICF-CY short form used for cerebral palsied children is compatible with other assessment scales suggests that the use of ICF-CY short forms may be useful in assessing the health status of individuals.

Investigation of the relationship between quality of life, activity-participation and environmental factors in adolescents with cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between quality of life, activity-participation and environmental factors in adolescents with cerebral palsy. METHODS: Seventy-five adolescents (M:45, F:30) ages between 14-18 yrs (mean: 15.52±1.60 yrs) were included in the study. Participants were divided into three groups: Level I, Level II and Level III according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System. Gross Motor Function Classification System, Gross Motor Function Measure, Functional Independence Scale, Manuel Ability Classification System, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory and International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Child-Youth version Short Form (ICF-CY) (14-18 yrs) were used for assessments. RESULTS: It is found that there is a moderate and high level of correlation between quality of life and activity participation and body functions; moderate and high level of correlation between quality of life and activity participation and body functions with the gross motor function levels; moderate and low level correlation between environmental factors and gross motor function levels (p < 0,05). CONCLUSIONS: The fact that the ICF-CY short form used for cerebral palsied children is compatible with other assessment scales suggests that the use of ICF-CY short forms may be useful in assessing the health status of individuals.

Examining various factors affecting communication skills in children with cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Cerebral palsied children may have difficulties in acting as senders and/or receivers in the communication process. The aim of this study is examining that which maternal and child-related factors affect the communication skills of cerebral palsied children. METHODS: 188 cerebral palsy diagnosed children ages between 2-18 years were assessed by Communication Function Classification System for communication skills. Maternal factors such as occupation, and educational status, and child-related factors such as gender, time of birth, clinical type of cerebral palsy, origin period of cerebral palsy; also daily living activities and gross motor functions of children were included in the assessment for examining how they affect the communication skills of cerebral palsied children. RESULTS: Lower maternal age, higher gross motor function level, ataxic type and hemiparetic involvement (p < 0,05); educational status, maternal unemployment, female gender, and premature birth (p > 0,05) affected positively on the communication skills. There were no effects of delivery method (p > 0,05). CONCLUSIONS: Communication skills of cerebral palsied children are affected by maternal age, educational status, occupation, and child's gender, birth term, origin period of cerebral palsy, clinical type of cerebral palsy, extremity involvement, motor development level and gross motor function. But the method of delivery has no effect on the communication functions of cerebral palsied children.

The efficacy of botulinum toxin A lower limb injections in addition to physiotherapy approaches in children with cerebral palsy: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: To assess treatment effect of lower limb botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) in combination with physiotherapy approaches on gross motor functions in children with cerebral palsy compared with only physiotherapy treatment. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review was to analyze the efficacy botulinum toxin a lower limb injections in addition to physiotherapy approaches in children with cerebral palsy. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in the following databases: Cochrane, PEDro, PubMed, MEDLINE, AMED and EMBASE. The searches were limited to the period from July 2009 to July 2015. The intervention had to contain BTX-A into the lower limb plus physiotherapy approaches and be compared with only physiotherapy. The methodological quality and clinical relevance were independently assessed by the authors. RESULTS: The database search resulted in a total of 1521 studies, of which 4 (Level II of evidence) trials were included in this review. The population represented by were age between from 11 month to 15 years. Overall there were 153 children all diagnosed with CP (87 Male, 66 Female). CONCLUSIONS: The use of BTX-A injections in addition to physiotherapy approaches seems to have positive effect on spasticity and ROM. However, the question of whether the treatment of BTX-A plus physiotherapy has a greater improvement on functional capacity, such as gross motor function or gait parameter than only physiotherapy treatments, was inconclusive. Further investigation by rigorous studies is required.

Effectiveness of Neuro-Developmental Treatment (Bobath Concept) on postural control and balance in Cerebral Palsied children.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to show the effects of an 8-week Neurodevelopmental Treatment based posture and balance training on postural control and balance in diparetic and hemiparetic Cerebral Palsied children (CPC). METHODS: Fifteen CPC (aged 5-15 yrs) were recruited from Denizli Yagmur Çocuklari Rehabilitation Centre. Gross Motor Function Classification System, Gross Motor Function Measure, 1-Min Walking Test, Modified Timed Up and Go Test, Paediatric Balance Scale, Functional Independence Measure for Children and Seated Postural Control Measure were used for assessment before and after treatment. An 8-week NDT based posture and balance training was applied to the CPC in one session (60-min) 2 days in a week. RESULTS: After the treatment program, all participants showed statistically significant improvements in terms of gross motor function (p< 0.05). They also showed statistically significant improvements about balance abilities and independence in terms of daily living activities (p< 0.05). Seated Postural Control Measure scores increased after the treatment program (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that an 8-week Neurodevelopmental Treatment based posture and balance training is an effective approach in order to improve functional motor level and functional independency by improving postural control and balance in diparetic and hemiparetic CPC.

Investigation of the relationship between kinesiophobia, physical activity level and quality of life in patients with chronic low back pain1.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study is to examine the relationship between kinesiophobia (fear of movement), physical activity level and quality of life. METHODS: In this study, we assessed 112 patients consulting for low back pain (LBP) of ≥ 3 month's duration. We used Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) for physical activity level, Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale for perception of kinesiophobia, Oswestry Disability Index for disability status of low back. RESULTS: The results of this study, there was no statistically significant correlation between International Physical Activity Questionnaire, duration of pain, intensity of pain at rest and Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (p> 0.05). It was found a statistically significant correlation between pain intensity at activity (p= 0.009), disability level (p= 0.000) and Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale. Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale were highly negative correlated with sub-scale of SF-36 Quality of Life Index (general health, physical function, social status, bodily pain, role limitations due to physical health) (p= 0.000). CONCLUSION: The kinesiophobia adversely affect the quality of life limiting the physical activity status of patients with chronic low back pain.

Musculoskeletal system problems and quality of life of mothers of children with cerebral palsy with different levels of disability.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to investigate musculoskeletal system problems and quality of life of mothers of children with cerebral palsy with different levels of disability. METHODS: 100 children (37 girls and 63 boys) with cerebral palsy (CP) and their mothers were included in this study. Functional levels of children with CP were assessed by using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Pediatric Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM). Quality of life of mothers regarding health was assessed by using the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Musculoskeletal system problems of mothers were assessed by using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). RESULTS: No statistical significance was found when GMFCS levels of children with CP and the NHP, DASH-T, RMDQ, NDI and the BAE values of mothers were compared in an inter-group way (p> 0.05). When the NHP parameters and the existence of lower and arm pains of mothers were compared with their BAI, NDI, RMDQ and DASH-T scores, a statistically significant relationship was found among them (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: As functional levels of children with CP get worse, upper extremity, lower back and neck problems and anxiety levels of mothers increase and this situation negatively affects mothers' quality of life.

Comparison of pain intensity, emotional status and disability level in patients with chronic neck and low back pain.

OBJECTIVE: This study was planned to compare of pain, emotional status and disability level in patients with chronic neck pain and low back pain. METHODS: In this study, fifty patients with chronic low back pain (Group I) and fifty patients with chronic neck pain (Group II) at least 6 months were evaluated. A Visual Analog Scale was used to describe pain intensity. To determine emotional status of the subjects, the Beck Depression Scale was used The Oswestry Disability Index and the Neck Disability Index were used to evaluate disability level. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients with low back pain and neck pain were 39.70 ± 9.71 years, 45.44 ± 10.39 years, respectively. It was not found a significant difference between in low back pain (Group I) and neck pain (Group II) in results of pain intensity (p= 0.286) and pain duration (p= 0.382). It was found a significant difference between group I and group II in results of emotional status (p= 0.000) and disability level (p= 0.000). The emotional status and disability level scores were found highest in patient's with low back pain. CONCLUSION: Chronic low back pain is affect in patients than chronic neck pain as a emotional status and disability level.

Investigation of the effects of connective tissue mobilisation on quality of life and emotional status in healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND: Connective Tissue Massage (CTM) or Manipulation is a bodywork technique which lies at the interface between alternative approaches. The autonomic balancing responses to CTM can be useful in the treatment of anxiety. AIM: This study was planned to investigate the effects of connective tissue mobilization (CTM) on quality of life and emotional status in healthy subjects. Design; Prospective trial, Setting; Treatment and Population. The study was conducted on 100 volunteers (students). Students in second class were in CTM group (20,49±1,37 years) and students (19,50±1,15 years) educating in class 1 were in control group. METHODS: Participants were assessed before and after CTM according to flexibility of trunk flexion, hamstring muscles, trunk hyperextension and lateral flexion. It was used The SF-36 Health-Related Quality of Life Inventory (SF-36) to assess general health status and Beck Depression Scale was used for assessing emotional status. RESULTS: It was observed a significant increase at lateral flexion to the right of trunk (p=0,03) in CTM group after application. It was found a significant difference (p=0,009) in emotional status between groups. It was found differences at general health level (p=0,001), limitations in emotional role (p=0,016) in SF-36. It was some differences in depression status and some subscales of SF-36 (general health, social status, emotional well-being, pain and energy levels) in favour of control group before application. It was no difference between groups after application. CONCLUSION: CTM could be used for minimizing depressive symptoms, improving quality of life in healthy young subjects.

Comparison of effects of supervised physiotherapy and a standardized home program on functional status in patients with total knee arthroplasty: a prospective study.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine the functional differences between total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients who were treated with supervised physiotherapy or a standardized home program and perform a cost analysis. [Subjects and Methods] Patients who received total knee arthroplasty between January 2009 and June 2011 were enrolled in this study; those with mean ages of 64.25±3.86 (60-68) years (n=18) and 68.08±6.25 (61-79) years (n=16) were placed in the supervised physiotherapy and standardized home program groups, respectively. All patients were evaluated by the same researcher before and after surgery, and the therapy programs were applied by another physiotherapist. All patients were evaluated for joint range of motion (ROM), pain, functional status (WOMAC), overall quality of life (SF-36), and depressive symptoms (BECK Depression Scale). [Results] A significant clinical improvement was observed in postoperative assessments. A statistically significant difference could not be found between ROM and functional levels of the patients in both groups. [Conclusion] No difference was found between the patients performing supervised or standardized home program with respect to the effects on functional status. A home exercise program can be used in the rehabilitation of patients with TKA, and implementation of home exercise programs can also reduce health-care spending.

Effects of pulsed electromagnetic field and swimming exercise on rats with experimental sciatic nerve injury.

[Purpose] The current study aimed to reveal the therapeutic effects of a pulsed electromagnetic field and swimming exercises on rats with experimental sciatic nerve injury, which was induced with crush-type neuropathy model damage, using electrophysiological methods. [Subjects] In the current study, the sample consisted of 28 adult male Wistar albino rats. [Methods] The rats were randomized into four groups (n=7). Swimming exercise and PEMF (2 Hz and 0.3 MT) were applied one hour a day, five days a week, for four weeks. Electroneuromyographic (ENMG) measurements were taken on day 7. [Results] When the data were evaluated, it was found that the 4 weeks of PEMF and swimming exercises led to an increase in motor conduction rates and a decrease in latency values, but the changes were not significant in comparison with the control and injury groups. The compound muscle action potential (CMAP) values of the left leg were lower in weeks 2, 3, and 4 in the swimming exercise group in comparison with the control group, although for the PEMF group, the CMAP values of the left leg reached the level observed in the control group beginning in week 3. [Conclusion] PEMF and swimming exercise made positive contributions to nerve regeneration after week 1, and regeneration was enhanced.

Expectations from Rehabilitation of Children with Cerebral Palsy: The Agreement between the Physiotherapists and Mothers.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the agreement between physiotherapists (PTs) and mothers (Ms) about the treatment of children with cerebral palsy (CP) who received treatment in special education and rehabilitation centers. [Subjects] Ms of 130 children with CP (75 boys, 55 girls) and 130 PTs who applied rehabilitation programs were interviewed. [Methods] Clinical types and gross motor function levels of the children were recorded. A questionnaire consisting of 6 open-ended questions was used to describe the expectations and views of the PTs and Ms about the physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs for the children. [Results] The mean age of the children was 89.80±52.05 months. The mean treatment period for the children was 73.62±42.11 months. The mean age of the mothers was 35.47±5.79 years, and the mean age of the PTs was 28.07±7.28 years. We found a statistically moderate level of agreement between the PTs and Ms regarding the appropriateness of the treatment provided to the children. There was statistically insignificant agreement regarding the applied treatment methods and the appropriateness of the applied rehabilitation programs. [Conclusion] We believe that the views and expectations of the Ms should be taken into account by the PTs when preparing a treatment program for children with CP.

Indirect effect of electrical stimulation of tibialis anterior on gastro-soleus muscles in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of tetanic faradic stimulation in an antagonist muscle (tibialis anterior) on agonist muscles (gastro-soleus). In addition, to show the effects of maintaining agonist muscle strength on antagonist spastic muscle group to improve gait parameters in children with spastic hemiplegia. METHODS: We carried out the study at Pamukkale University, School of Physical Therapy, Denizli, Turkey between June 2001 and December 2002. We included 16 ambulant cerebral palsied children with a mean of age 6.25 +/- 2.89 years in the study. Each subject practiced a 20-minute electrical stimulation session plus neurodevelopmental approach (Bobath Technique) once a day, 4 days a week for 5 weeks. We performed faradic tetanic stimulation to stimulate and strengthen the tibialis anterior (antagonist muscle). We performed all tests, including goniometric measurement, the Modified Ashworth Scale, and gait analysis at the start of the treatment program, after the program, and one month after first follow up. RESULTS: After treatment, we found significant improvements in goniometric measurements and Modified Ashworth Scale in comparison with the baseline measurements (p<0.001). However, the improvements did not continue after the first month of treatment (p>0.05). The results of the gait analysis showed only a significant difference concerning step width (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that tetanic faradic stimulation was effective in improving aspects of ankle function, decreasing muscle tone and increasing range of motion in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy during a physical therapy program.