One-year follow-up of problem-based task training for a child presenting cerebellar ataxia after brainstem glioma surgery: A single-subject experimental study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: For the rehabilitation of patients with cerebellar ataxia, task training aids in achieving functional benefits. This study aimed to investigate the effects of problem-based task training on balance and motor function in a child with cerebellar ataxia after brainstem glioma surgery. METHODS: This study used a single-subject reversal design (A-B) with a 1-year follow-up. A 5-year old child with cerebellar ataxia due to a brain glioma completed problem-based task training, including a 10-step walk and return trial, walking while carrying an object, walking between parallel lines, and kicking a ball. Assessments were made using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) and motor function tests (International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS), Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). RESULTS: During the intervention phase, the PBS score showed clinically and statistically significant improvement compared to the baseline score. The ICARS and GMFM scores improved by 10.53% and 3.56%, respectively, after the intervention. Furthermore, in the PEDI score, functional skills and caregiver assistance in the mobility domain increased by 7.58% and 5.02%, respectively, after the intervention. The improvements in all parameters were maintained or increased at further follow-up phases. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that problem-based task training has a positive effect on balance and motor function in a child with cerebellar ataxia after brainstem glioma surgery.

Effects of patient-specific mobility therapy for TMJ, neck, and shoulder dysfunction after submandibular gland tumor surgery: a case report.

Aims: This case report describes a patient-specific mobility therapy (PSMT) program to restore range of motion (ROM) and overcome functional limitations of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), neck, and shoulder in a 48-year-old man who underwent submandibular gland tumor surgery.Methods: The patient also received transcutaneous electrical stimulation and ultrasound to relieve pain. Treatment was provided four sessions per week for four weeks. The measured outcomes included the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), and mobility of the TMJ, neck, and shoulder.Outcomes: The ROM of the TMJ, neck, and shoulder improved from 4.00 mm to 21.00 mm, 1.67 cm to 6.40 cm, and 9.75° to 56.00°, respectively, during the 1st intervention phase when compared with the baseline phase, and these gains were also maintained in the later phases. Furthermore, the NDI and PSFS scores improved by 12.75 points (24.50 to 11.75) and 5.25 points (2.00 to 7.25), respectively.Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the success of PSMT in conjunction with transcutaneous electrical stimulation and ultrasound in alleviating pain and improving targeted impairments for this patient following submandibular gland tumor surgery.

Initial Evidence on the Impact of Performance-Based Treadmill Training on Pulmonary Function and Physical Performance in a Child with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Single-Subject Experimental Study.

Aim: This study aimed to demonstrate the initial evidence on the impact of performance-based treadmill training on pulmonary function and physical performance of a patient with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).Methods: This study used a single-subject pre-experimental (A-B) research design (5 and 10 data points during the baseline and intervention phases, respectively) with a 4-month follow-up measurement. The subjects were a 5-year-old child diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Outcome measures were pulmonary function (forced vital capacity [FVC] and peak expiratory flow [PEF]) and physical performance (6-min walk test [6MWT], sit-to-stand test [STS], pediatric balance scale [PBS], and goal attainment scaling).Results: Applying the 2 standard deviation method, the FVC, PEF, 6MWT, and STS test scores showed significant improvement compared to baseline values. In addition, the PBS and goal attainment scaling scores improved by 5.36% (42 points to 45 points) and 29.61% (37.6 points to 59.75 points) after the intervention, respectively. Gains were maintained at the 4-month follow-up.Conclusions: These findings suggest that performance-based treadmill training may be a possible treatment option to improve the pulmonary function and physical performance of children with BPD. Further rigorous studies are needed to establish evidence regarding the effectiveness of the training program among this population.