Probability of independent walking and wheeled mobility in individuals with cerebral palsy.

AIM: To estimate the probability of independent walking and wheeled mobility in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) at home and in the community in relation to age and gross motor function. METHOD: This was a longitudinal cohort study using data reported into the combined Swedish CP follow-up programme and national quality registry from October 2000 to October 2022. Walking, walking with aids, wheeled mobility, and assisted mobility defined independent or assisted mobility at home and in the community, based on the Functional Mobility Scale with additional data on wheelchair performance, were assessed. RESULTS: There were 52 858 examinations reported for 6647 individuals with CP (age range 0-32 years, follow-up period 0-22 years). Most children and adults in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I or II walked without assistive devices. The probability of dependence on others for mobility in the community was high for both children and adults in GMFCS levels III to V. INTERPRETATION: Although independent mobility is vital for participation and social inclusion, many children and adults with CP are dependent on others for mobility. We recommend clinicians, together with families and individuals with CP, explore how to increase access to independent mobility from an early age and continuously throughout the life course. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: • There is a high probability of independent walking in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I to II. • Mobility options vary most at home and in the community in GMFCS level III. • Being dependent on others for mobility is likely in GMFCS levels III to V.

ICF Core Sets for the assessment of functioning of adults with cerebral palsy.

AIM: To report on the results of the online international consensus process to develop the comprehensive and brief International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Sets for adults with cerebral palsy (CP). METHOD: An online iterative decision-making and consensus process involved 25 experts, including clinicians and researchers working with adults with CP, an adult with CP, and the parents of adults with CP from all six regions of the World Health Organization. The most relevant categories were selected from a list of 154 unique second-level candidate categories to develop the ICF Core Sets for adults with CP. This list resulted from evidence gathered during four preparatory studies, that is, a systematic literature review, a qualitative study, an expert survey, and an empirical study. RESULTS: The consensus process resulted in the comprehensive ICF Core Set containing 120 second-level ICF categories: 33 body functions; eight body structures; 50 activities and participation; and 29 environmental factors, from which the most essential categories, 33 in total, were selected for the brief ICF Core Set. For body functions, most of the categories were mental functions and neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions. Body structures were mostly related to movement. All the chapters of the activities and participation component were represented, with mobility and self-care as the most frequently covered chapters. For environmental factors, most of the categories addressed products and technology and services, systems, and policies. INTERPRETATION: The comprehensive and brief ICF Core Sets for adults with CP were created using a new online version of an established ICF Core Set consensus process. These Core Sets complement the age-specific ICF Core Sets for children and young people with CP and will promote standardized data collection worldwide.

Development of an ICF Core Set for adults with cerebral palsy: capturing their perspective on functioning.

AIM: To examine the most relevant aspects of functioning of adults with cerebral palsy (CP) from their perspective, in order to develop an International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for adults with CP. METHOD: We conducted six focus group discussions with adults with CP without intellectual disability and seven interviews with adults with CP with intellectual disability and caregivers, addressing all ICF components. Meaningful concepts were identified from verbatim transcripts and linked to ICF categories by two independent researchers. RESULTS: In total, 31 adults with CP without intellectual disability (mean [SD] age 46y 1mo [14y 1mo]; 20 females, 11 males; Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] levels I-IV) and seven adults with CP and intellectual disability (mean [SD] age 25y 8mo [6y 8mo]; four females, three males; GMFCS levels III-V) participated. We identified 132 unique second-level categories: 47 body functions, seven body structures, 43 activities and participation, and 35 environmental factors. The most frequently mentioned categories were emotional function, pain, muscle tone function, support of family, products and technology, and health services. INTERPRETATION: Adults with CP experienced problems in a broad range of body functions and activities and indicated the importance of environmental factors for functioning. The identified categories will be added to the list of candidate items to reach consensus on an ICF Core Set for adults with CP. What this paper adds Including the lived experience is crucial for fully understanding functioning of adults with cerebral palsy (CP). Adults with CP perceive environmental factors as essential elements for everyday functioning. Adults with intellectual disability should be considered as a group with specific problems.

Epidemiology of Cerebral Palsy in Adulthood: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Most Frequently Studied Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology of health status, impairments, activities and participation in adults with cerebral palsy (CP). DATA SOURCES: Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were searched for 3 themes ("cerebral palsy," "adult," and "outcome assessment") in literature published between January 2000 and December 2018. STUDY SELECTION: Full-article peer-reviewed English journal articles on descriptive, observational, or experimental studies describing the most studied outcomes in adults with CP (n≥25, age≥18y) were included. Studies were included in the analyses if frequently studied outcomes were described in at least 3 studies using similar methods of assessment. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted independently by 2 authors from 65 articles (total N=28,429) using a standardized score sheet. DATA SYNTHESIS: Meta-analyses revealed that overall, on average 65.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 55.1-74.5) of adults with CP experienced pain, 57.9% (95% CI, 51.1-64.6) were ambulant, 65.5% (95% CI, 61.2-69.7) had little or no limitation in manual ability, 18.2% (95% CI, 10.6-27.2) had tertiary education, 39.2% (95% CI, 31.5;47.1) were employed, and 29.3% (95% CI, 9.0-55.3) lived independently. In adults without intellectual disability, proportions of individuals who were ambulant (72.6% [95% CI, 58.8-84.5]) and lived independently (90.0% [95% CI, 83.8-94.9]) were higher (P=.014 and P<.01, respectively). The Fatigue Severity Scale score was 4.1 (95% CI, 3.8-4.4). Epilepsy (28.8% [95% CI, 20.1-38.4]) and asthma (28.3% [95% CI, 18.7-38.9]) were especially prevalent comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: The present systematic review and meta-analysis on the epidemiology of adults with CP provided state-of-the-art knowledge on the most frequently studied outcomes. On average, adults with CP are fatigued, and a majority experience pain, are ambulant, and have little or no difficulty with manual ability. On average, 40% are employed and 30% live independently. More uniformity in assessment and reports is advised to improve knowledge on epidemiology and gain insight in more outcomes.

Outcomes in adults with cerebral palsy: systematic review using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.

AIM: In the context of the development of an International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for adults with cerebral palsy (CP), this systematic review sought to identify the outcome measures used in studies on adults with CP, to examine their content using the ICF as a reference, and to demonstrate the most studied areas in this population. METHOD: Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were searched for studies on adults with CP published between 2000 and 2017. Meaningful concepts of commonly used outcome measures were linked to the ICF, and frequencies of resultant ICF categories were explored. RESULTS: In 274 included articles, 332 outcome measures were identified of which 155 were commonly used. In total, 4409 meaningful concepts were linked to the ICF. The component 'Activities and participation' included the most frequent categories, followed by 'Body functions'. The most frequent categories were b280 'Sensation of pain' (37.6%), d450 'Walking' (33.3%), and d850 'Remunerative employment' (27.5%). INTERPRETATION: The broad range of ICF categories identified in this systematic review emphasizes the heterogeneity of functioning and disability in adults with CP. The current results specifically reflect the researchers' perspective and will serve as candidate categories to consider in the development of an ICF Core Set for adults with CP. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Outcomes studied in adults with cerebral palsy are captured in varying International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) categories. Activities and participation were studied more frequently than body functions and structures. Mobility, employment, and self-care were most frequent within ICF's 'Activities and participation' component. Pain and neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions were most frequent within 'Body functions'.

Clinical outcomes of a scapular-focused treatment in patients with subacromial pain syndrome: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature on the clinical outcomes of scapular-focused treatments in participants with subacromial pain syndrome (SPS). DESIGN: Systematic literature review. Studies were appraised by two reviewers using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale, and a best-evidence synthesis was performed. DATA SOURCES: The literature search was conducted in the databases PubMed, Embase and Cinahl up to February 2015. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: Randomised controlled trials evaluating the clinical outcomes of a physiotherapeutic scapular-focused treatment in participants with SPS. RESULTS: Four studies were included describing various scapular-focused interventions, including scapular-focused exercise therapy, scapular mobilisation and scapular taping. All included studies had a PEDro score of 6 or higher, indicating low risk of bias. There was moderate evidence that scapular-focused treatment compared with other physiotherapeutic treatment is effective in improving scapular muscle strength in participants with SPS. Conflicting evidence was found for improvements in pain, function and clinical measures of scapular positioning. No evidence was found for improvements in shoulder range of motion or rotator cuff muscle strength. CONCLUSIONS: There is some support for the use of scapular-focused exercise therapy in patients with SPS. Owing to the low number of studies, no firm conclusions can be drawn. Therefore, more randomised controlled trials are needed to determine the clinical outcomes of scapular-focused exercise therapy, scapular mobilisation techniques and scapular taping in patients with SPS.

Central Pain Processing in Patients with Shoulder Pain: A Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder pain is a common health problem in which changes in shoulder structure cannot always explain the patient's perceived pain. Central sensitization (CS) might play a role in a subgroup of these patients. METHODS: The literature was systematically reviewed to address the role of CS in patients with shoulder pain. Electronic databases PubMed and Web of Knowledge were searched for relevant studies. RESULTS: Eighteen full-text articles were included, methodological quality was scored, and information was extracted. Studies were clustered on those studying patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) shoulder pain and those studying patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP). In particular, quantitative sensory testing revealed hyperalgesia for pressure pain in the MSK group, whereas these results were inconsistent in patients with HSP. Conditioned pain modulation was reduced in patients with MSK shoulder pain, but functioned normally in the HSP group. CONCLUSION: This review has shown that great progress has been made toward a better understanding of neurophysiologic pain mechanisms in patients with shoulder pain. The presence of generalized mechanical hyperalgesia, allodynia, and impaired conditioned pain modulation in patients with MSK shoulder pain indicates the involvement of the central nervous system. Widespread somatosensory abnormalities observed in patients with HSP could suggest a central origin for their shoulder pain and predispose patients with HSP to develop CS, although results are inconsistent. Additional research is required adopting different assessment methods (especially dynamic methods) to establish the role of CS in patients with shoulder pain.

Efficacy of Different Types of Mobilization Techniques in Patients With Primary Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature for efficacy of isolated articular mobilization techniques in patients with primary adhesive capsulitis (AC) of the shoulder. DATA SOURCES: PubMed and Web of Science were searched for relevant studies published before November 2014. Additional references were identified by manual screening of the reference lists. STUDY SELECTION: All English language randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of mobilization techniques on range of motion (ROM) and pain in adult patients with primary AC of the shoulder were included in this systematic review. Twelve randomized controlled trials involving 810 patients were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently screened the articles, scored methodologic quality, and extracted data for analysis. The review was conducted and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. All studies were assessed in duplicate for risk of bias using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale for randomized controlled trials. DATA SYNTHESIS: The efficacy of 7 different types of mobilization techniques was evaluated. Angular mobilization (n=2), Cyriax approach (n=1), and Maitland technique (n=6) showed improvement in pain score and ROM. With respect to translational mobilizations (n=1), posterior glides are preferred to restore external rotation. Spine mobilizations combined with glenohumeral stretching and both angular and translational mobilization (n=1) had a superior effect on active ROM compared with sham ultrasound. High-intensity mobilization (n=1) showed less improvement in the Constant Murley Score than a neglect group. Finally, positive long-term effects of the Mulligan technique (n=1) were found on both pain and ROM. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, mobilization techniques have beneficial effects in patients with primary AC of the shoulder. Because of preliminary evidence for many mobilization techniques, the Maitland technique and combined mobilizations seem recommended at the moment.

Influence of shoulder pain on muscle function: implications for the assessment and therapy of shoulder disorders.

Shoulder pain is often a challenging clinical phenomenon because of the potential mismatch between pathology and the perception of pain. Current evidence clearly emphasizes an incomplete understanding of the nature of shoulder pain. Indeed, the effective diagnosis and treatment of shoulder pain should not only rely upon a detailed knowledge of the peripheral pathologies that may be present in the shoulder, but also on current knowledge of pain neurophysiology. To assess and treat shoulder pain, a comprehensive understanding of the way in which pain is processed is essential. This review reflects modern pain neurophysiology to the shoulder and aims to answer the following questions: why does my shoulder hurt? What is the impact of shoulder pain on muscle function? What are the implications for the clinical examination of the shoulder? And finally, what are the clinical implications for therapy? Despite the increasing amount of research in this area, an in-depth understanding of the bidirectional nociception-motor interaction is still far from being achieved. Many questions remain, especially related to the treatment of nociception-motor interactions.

"You Needed to Accept the Situation": Resilience of Nursing Home Residents in Times of COVID-19.

The restrictive measures taken by nursing homes during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 (e.g., quarantine) may have been important stressors for which residents needed resilience to safeguard their well-being. Based on 30 semi-structured interviews with nursing home residents and close relatives, this study explored the lived experiences with respect to the restrictive measures. The data were collected in psychogeriatric, somatic, and mixed wards in The Netherlands and Flanders, Belgium. The restrictive measures were important stressors for residents, indicated by feelings of loneliness, sadness, and powerlessness. To deal with these measures, residents used various resources, which were determined by factors in the individual (e.g., health), interactional (e.g., possibilities for social interactions) and contextual (e.g. nursing home policy) domains. Because the lived experiences with respect to the restrictive measures seemed to relate to the resilience of nursing home residents, it is crucial to reinforce resources in the individual, interactional, and contextual domains.

Moral lessons from residents, close relatives and volunteers about the COVID-19 restrictions in Dutch and Flemish nursing homes.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, national governments took restrictive measures, such as a visitors ban, prohibition of group activities and quarantine, to protect nursing home residents against infections. As 'safety' prevailed, residents and close relatives had no choice but to accept the restrictions. Their perspectives are relevant because the policies had a major impact on them, but they were excluded from the policy decisions. In this study we looked into the moral attitudes of residents, close relatives and volunteers regarding the restrictions in retrospect, and what moral lessons they considered important. METHODS: We conducted 30 semi-structured interviews with residents and close relatives and one focus group meeting with volunteers working in nursing homes. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed inductively. Subsequently, three Socratic dialogue meetings with residents, close relatives and volunteers were organized in which first analysis outcomes were discussed and dialogues were fostered into moral lessons for future pandemics. Outcomes were combined with moral theory following an empirical bioethics design. RESULTS: Critical perspectives regarding the COVID-19 restrictions grew in time. Various moral values were compromised and steered moral lessons for our future. The participants recognized three moral lessons as most important. First, constructing tailored (well-balanced) solutions in practice is desirable. Second, proper recognition is needed for the caring role that close relatives fulfill in practice. Third, a responsive power distribution should be in place that includes all stakeholder perspectives who are affected by the restrictions. DISCUSSION: Comparing the results with moral theory strengthens the plea for inclusion of all stakeholder groups in decision-making processes. To further concretize the moral lessons, tailored solutions can be realized with the use of moral case deliberations. Proper recognition includes actions addressing moral repair and including counter-stories in the debate. Responsive power distribution starts with providing clear and trustworthy information and including all perspectives.

"Precious Time Together Was Taken Away": Impact of COVID-19 Restrictive Measures on Social Needs and Loneliness from the Perspective of Residents of Nursing Homes, Close Relatives, and Volunteers.

During the COVID-19 outbreak in March 2020, restrictive measures (e.g., prohibiting physical visits and group activities) were introduced in nursing homes to protect older residents. Although the importance of social contacts and social activities to fulfill social needs and avoid loneliness is known, these were challenged during the pandemic. This qualitative study specifically focused on how residents, close relatives, and volunteers in nursing homes experienced the restrictive measures in retrospect and gained insights into the impact of the restrictive measures on social needs and loneliness, and the lessons that could be learned. Thirty semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with residents and close relatives, and one online focus group with ten volunteers, were conducted. Recruitment took place at psychogeriatric and somatic units in the Northern, Eastern and Southern regions of the Netherlands and Flanders, Belgium. The interviews and focus group were transcribed verbatim, and an open, inductive approach was used for analysis. Alternative ways of social contact could not fully compensate for physical visits. Generally, participants reported that it was a difficult time, indicated by feelings of loneliness, fear, sadness, and powerlessness. A great diversity in loneliness was reported. The most important reasons for feeling lonely were missing close social contacts and social activities. The diversity in the impact of restrictive measures depended on, e.g., social needs, coping strategies, and character. Restrictive COVID-19 measures in nursing homes resulted in negative emotions and unmet social needs of residents, close relatives, and volunteers. During future outbreaks of the COVID-19 virus or another virus or bacterium, for which restrictive measures may be needed, nursing homes should actively involve residents, close relatives, and volunteers to balance safety, self-determination, and well-being.

An international clinical perspective on functioning and disability in adults with cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: This international, multi-center cross-sectional study is one of the preparatory studies in the development of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Sets for adults with cerebral palsy (CP) to describe their functioning and health. OBJECTIVE: To identify the most common problems in functioning of adults with CP presenting in healthcare services, and facilitating and hindering environmental factors, using the ICF as a reference. METHODS: Participants were adults with CP who visited healthcare services in the Netherlands, Sweden, Thailand, and the United States. Structured interviews were performed using an adapted version of the generic ICF checklist 2.1a (106 categories) to rate the participant's functioning and the impact of environmental factors. Descriptive statistics were used for frequency analysis. RESULTS: In total, 101 participants were included, of whom 69 without intellectual disability (mean age ± SD of 38.4 ± 14.7 y; 85.5% with spastic type of CP; Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I-V) and 32 with intellectual disability (mean age ± SD of 25.0 ± 6.4 y; 71.9% with spastic type of CP; GMFCS levels I-V). A total of 104 ICF categories in the ICF checklist were frequently present in adults with CP: 27 body functions, 4 body structures, 53 activities and participation, and 20 environmental factors. CONCLUSIONS: The most common problems of adults with CP presenting in healthcare services are diverse and highly prevalent. The study results add the clinical perspective on relevant categories of functioning to the basis for developing the ICF Core Sets for adults with CP.

Understanding the clinical profile of patients with frozen shoulder: a longitudinal multicentre observational study.

INTRODUCTION: There is a large diversity in the clinical presentation of frozen shoulder (FS) and the clinical outcome is not always satisfactory. The aim of the current study was to examine to what extent range of motion (ROM) limitation, metabolic factors (diabetes mellitus and thyroid disorders), autonomic symptoms and pain sensitivity may contribute to the prognosis in terms of shoulder pain and disability and quality of life in patients with FS. METHODS: Patients with stage 1 or 2 FS were longitudinally followed-up during 9 months after baseline assessment. They completed six questionnaires and underwent quantitative sensory testing (pressure pain thresholds, temporal summation and conditioned pain modulation) and ROM assessment. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-nine patients with FS were initially recruited and 121 completed at least one follow-up measurement. Shoulder pain and disability improved over time and diabetes mellitus was found to be a prognostic factor for final outcome. Several domains of quality of life also improved over time and external rotation ROM, diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorder and autonomic symptoms were found to be prognostic factors for final outcome. These prognostic factors explained 2.5%-6.3% of the final outcome of shoulder pain and disability and quality of life. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In patients with FS, prognostic variables were able to predict different outcomes, indicating that outcomes in this population can be variable-dependent. Other variables not explored in this study might contribute to the prognosis of patients with FS, which should be investigated in future research. In clinical practice, baseline assessment of prognostic factors and focusing on a more holistic approach might be useful to inform healthcare practitioners about progression of patients with FS during a 9-month period.

Blood pressure in adults with cerebral palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to determine the overall mean blood pressure and prevalence of hypertension among a representative sample of adults living with cerebral palsy by combining individual participant data. Additional objectives included estimating variations between subgroups and investigating potential risk factors for hypertension. METHODS: Potential datasets were identified by literature searches for studies published between January 2000 and November 2017 and by experts in the field. Samples of adults with cerebral palsy (n ≥ 10, age ≥ 18 years) were included if blood pressure data, cerebral palsy-related factors (e.g. cerebral palsy subtype), and sociodemographic variables (e.g. age, sex) were available. Hypertension was defined as at least 140/90 mmHg and/or use of antihypertensive medication. RESULTS: We included data from 11 international cohorts representing 444 adults with cerebral palsy [median (IQR) age of the sample was 29.0 (23.0-38.0); 51% men; 89% spastic type; Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I-V]. Overall mean SBP was 124.9 mmHg [95% confidence interval (CI) 121.7-128.1] and overall mean DBP was 79.9 mmHg (95% CI 77.2-82.5). Overall prevalence of hypertension was 28.7% (95% CI 18.8-39.8%). Subgroup analysis indicated higher blood pressure levels or higher prevalence of hypertension in adults with cerebral palsy above 40 years of age, men, those with spastic cerebral palsy or those who lived in Africa. BMI, resting heart rate and alcohol consumption were risk factors that were associated with blood pressure or hypertension. CONCLUSION: Our findings underscore the importance of clinical screening for blood pressure in individuals with cerebral palsy beginning in young adulthood.

Developing an ICF Core Set for adults with cerebral palsy: A Global expert survey of relevant functions and contextual factors.

OBJECTIVE: To identify areas of functioning in adults with cerebral palsy that are considered relevant by experts, in order to develop an International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for adults with cerebral palsy. PARTICIPANTS: Experts from various professional backgrounds worldwide who had experience working with adults with cerebral palsy for ≥2 years and were able to complete the survey in the English language. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using an international internet-based survey. The experts were asked to address relevant areas of functioning in adults with cerebral palsy. These areas of functioning were then linked to the ICF and the frequencies analysed. RESULTS: A total of 126 experts from 32 countries completed the survey. From the responses, 217 unique second-level ICF categories were identified. The three most frequently mentioned categories were "design, construction and building products and technology of buildings for public use (e150, 77%) and private use" (e155, 67%), followed by "sensation of pain" (b280, 62%). CONCLUSION: The broad diversity of ICF categories reported by the experts emphasize the known heterogeneity of cerebral palsy and the variety of func-tioning in adulthood. They also reported on many environmental factors, illustrating the importance of person-environment interactions. These findings provide information about relevant issues for use in developing an ICF Core Set for adults with cerebral palsy.

Low bone mineral density in ambulatory persons with cerebral palsy? A systematic review.

Purpose: Non-ambulatory persons with cerebral palsy are prone to low bone mineral density. In ambulatory persons with cerebral palsy, bone mineral density deficits are expected to be small or absent, but a consensus conclusion is lacking. In this systematic review bone mineral density in ambulatory persons with cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Function Classification Scales I-III) was studied. Materials and methods: Medline, Embase, and Web of Science were searched. According to international guidelines, low bone mineral density was defined as Z-score ≤ -2.0. In addition, we focused on Z-score ≤ -1.0 because this may indicate a tendency towards low bone mineral density. Results: We included 16 studies, comprising 465 patients aged 1-65 years. Moderate and conflicting evidence for low bone mineral density (Z-score ≤ -2.0) was found for several body parts (total proximal femur, total body, distal femur, lumbar spine) in children with Gross Motor Function Classification Scales II and III. We found no evidence for low bone mineral density in children with Gross Motor Function Classification Scale I or adults, although there was a tendency towards low bone mineral density (Z-score ≤ -1.0) for several body parts. Conclusions: Although more high-quality research is needed, results indicate that deficits in bone mineral density are not restricted to non-ambulatory people with cerebral palsy. Implications for Rehabilitation Although more high-quality research is needed, including adults and fracture risk assessment, the current study indicates that deficits in bone mineral density are not restricted to non-ambulatory people with CP. Health care professionals should be aware that optimal nutrition, supplements on indication, and an active lifestyle, preferably with weight-bearing activities, are important in ambulatory people with CP, also from a bone quality point-of-view. If indicated, medication and fall prevention training should be prescribed.

A Multivariable Prediction Model for the Chronification of Non-traumatic Shoulder Pain: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder pain is the third most common musculoskeletal complaint and many patients have an unfavorable outcome with long-term disability. Only 50% of all new episodes of shoulder pain show complete recovery within 6 months. Little is known about factors that contribute to chronicity of shoulder pain, although such information is needed for the management of patients with acute and sub-acute shoulder pain. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature for prognostic factors which are potential predictors for either recovery or chronification in patients with acute and sub-acute non-traumatic shoulder pain. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. SETTING: This systematic review examined all studies involving the prognosis of shoulder pain patients. METHODS: This systematic review was reported following the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Two reviewers independently scored the methodological quality of the selected studies. Due to heterogeneity of studies, a best-evidence synthesis of the available prognostic factors was provided. RESULTS: Nine studies met our inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. There is strong evidence that high scores on the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), high scores on shoulder pain severity, and a long duration of complaints are factors that contribute to the chronification of shoulder pain. Moderate evidence was found supportive for other prognostic factors that enhance chronification, like being male, being over 55 years of age, having poor general health, having a gradual onset of complaints, a large amount of sick leave, the perception of high job demand, the perception of low social support, and the amount of visits to a health care professional. Also moderate evidence exists regarding factors that contributed to a reduced possibility of chronification: an active treatment policy and not taking medication on regular basis. LIMITATIONS: The large variability in definitions of shoulder pain, and patient selection bias. In addition, there is a paucity of strong longitudinal prospective studies. CONCLUSION: This systematic review found evidence that high scores on the SPADI questionnaire, more shoulder pain, and a longer duration of complaints are associated with chronification of shoulder pain. In order to reduce chronification, clinicians can use the International Classification of Functioning based model presented here that could aid their decision-making.

Cognitive Performance Is Related to Central Sensitization and Health-related Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Whiplash-Associated Disorders and Fibromyalgia.

BACKGROUND: A growing body of research has demonstrated that impaired central pain modulation or central sensitization (CS) is a crucial mechanism for the development of persistent pain in chronic whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) and fibromyalgia (FM) patients. Furthermore, there is increasing evidence for cognitive dysfunctions among these patients. In addition, chronic WAD and FM patients often report problems with health-related quality of life (QoL). Yet, there is limited research concerning the interrelations between cognitive performance, indices of CS, and health-related QoL in these patients. OBJECTIVES: (1) Examining the presence of cognitive impairment, CS, and limitations on health-related QoL in patients with chronic WAD and FM compared to healthy controls. (2) Examining interrelations between performance-based cognitive functioning, CS, and self-reported health-related QoL in these 3 study groups. STUDY DESIGN: A case-control study was conducted. SETTING: The present study took place at the University Hospital Brussels, the University of Brussels, and the University of Antwerp. METHODS: Fifty-nine patients (16 chronic WAD patients, 21 FM patients, and 22 pain-free volunteers) filled out the Short Form 36 item Health Survey (SF-36), a self-reported psychosocial questionnaire, to assess health-related QoL. Next, they were subjected to various pain measurements (pressure hyperalgesia, deep-tissue hyperalgesia, temporal summation [TS], and conditioned pain modulation [CPM]). Finally, participants completed a battery of performance-based cognitive tests (Stroop task, psychomotor vigilance task [PVT], and operation span task [OSPAN]). RESULTS: Significant cognitive impairment, bottom-up sensitization, and decreased health-related QoL were demonstrated in patients with chronic WAD and FM compared to healthy controls (P < 0.017). CPM was comparable between the 3 groups. Cognitive performance was significantly related to central pain modulation (deep-tissue hyperalgesia, TS, CPM) as well as to self-reported health-related QoL (P < 0.05). Decreased cognitive performance was related to deficient central pain modulation in healthy controls. Further, significant correlations between decreased cognitive performance and reduced health-related QoL were revealed among all study groups. Additionally, FM patients showed correlations between cognitive impairment and increased health-related QoL. Remarkably, impaired selective attention and working memory were related to less TS, whereas impaired sustained attention was correlated with dysfunctional CPM in FM patients. LIMITATIONS: Based on the current cross-sectional study no firm conclusions can be drawn on the causality of the relations. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this paper has demonstrated significant cognitive deficits, signs of CS, and reduced health-related QoL in chronic WAD and FM patients compared to healthy individuals. Significant relations between cognitive performance and CS as well as health-related QoL were demonstrated. These results provide preliminary evidence for the clinical importance of objectively measured cognitive deficits in patients with chronic WAD and FM. KEY WORDS: Chronic pain, fibromyalgia, whiplash, central sensitization, conditioned pain modulation, temporal summation, cognition, quality of life.