Measures of Motor and Functional Skills for Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To review the level of evidence of the psychometric properties of outcome measures for motor or functional skills for children with cerebral palsy classified across I to V levels of the Gross Motor Function Classification System. METHODS: A systematic search was completed in PubMed/MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, CINAHL, and 4 complementary databases. The COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist and the updated criteria for good measurement properties were applied to assess the quality. RESULTS: Four outcome measures were identified from 12 articles: Gross Motor Function Measure, Gross Motor Performance Measure, Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory, and Functional Independence Measure for Children. Evidence levels for validity, reliability, and responsiveness varied among measures. CONCLUSIONS: Gross Motor Function Measure in all versions was the most investigated measure providing the best results, with the strongest evidence for validity and responsiveness properties. Reliability evidence should be improved to determine stability.

Digestion-resistant maltodextrin effects on colonic transit time and stool weight: a randomized controlled clinical study.

PURPOSE: Increased awareness of the importance of dietary fibre has led to increased interest in "functional" fibre components like digestion-resistant maltodextrin (RMD). This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study assessed the effects of RMD in the colonic transit time (CTT) and defecation characteristics (frequency, stool volume and consistency). METHODS: Sixty-six healthy adult volunteers (32 men) who did not have a daily defecation habit had a 7-day run-in period before the 21-day intervention period with RMD or placebo. CTT and segmental CTT (SCTT) were assessed by a single abdominal X-ray film taken at the end of both periods after radiopaque marker ingestion. Defecation characteristics and intestinal functions were also assessed, which were self-reported by patients. Intragroup comparisons were evaluated by Student's paired t test, Bonferroni test and Chi-square test, while time comparisons by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and time-by-treatment interaction by repeated-measures ANOVA. RESULTS: Fifty-seven subjects were assessed for CTT (placebo, n = 28; RMD, n = 29). In the RMD group, the total CTT, left SCTT and rectosigmoidal SCTT decreased significantly compared to baseline (p < 0.01 each; -13.3, -4.7, -8.7 h, respectively). Significant differences between groups were observed in total CTT and left SCTT. Significant time-by-treatment interaction was observed in the RMD group for stool volume (p = 0.014), increasing 56 % compared to baseline (p < 0.01), while remained unchanged in the placebo group. Stool consistency was improved only in the RMD group (p < 0.01). No adverse effects related to study products were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that RMD improved CTT, stool volume, stool consistency and some intestinal functions in a healthy population.

[Effect of quinua (Chenopodium quinoa)consumption as a coadjuvant in nutritional intervention in prediabetic subjects]. / Efecto del consumo de quinua (Chenopodium quinoa)como coadyuvante en la intervención nutricional en sujetos prediabéticos.

INTRODUCTION: Quinoa is a pseudocereal containing low glycemic index carbohydrates, dietary fiber, high biological value protein, phytosterols, and n-3 and n-6 fatty acids, which has generated interest in prediabetes nutritional interventions. This randomized (2:1), placebo-controlled, double-blind study evaluated the effects of processed quinoa on body mass index (BMI), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and the satiation and fullness (complete) degree in prediabetic patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Thirty patients were randomized (2:1) in two study arms: Kuska Active product (processed quinoa) and placebo (maltodextrin), with an intake period of 28 days. BMI, HbA1c and FPG were determined before starting treatment and at 28-day intake. Satiety and fullness sensation were just assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) at the day 28. ANOVA was performed for repeated measures with two factors to study (within-subject factor: time; intersubject factor: product consumed) to demonstrate the effectiveness of processed quinoa on the study variables. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients (placebo, n = 10; quinoa, n = 19) completed the study, and the quinoa group shows a significant decrease in BMI (p < 0.05) and HbA1c values (p < 0.001), and an increase in the satiation and fullness (complete) degree (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in FPG levels from baseline to post-intake period. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that processed quinoa intake during 28 days decreases BMI and HbA1c levels, maintains FPG levels, and incr eases the satiation and fullness (complete) degree in prediabetic patients.