Determinants of Quality of Life of Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize research findings on the determinants of Quality of Life (QoL) in children with cerebral palsy based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). METHODS: The protocol of the review was registered in the International Prospective Register of The Systematic Reviews PROSPERO (CRD42021261966). A PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE complete, and CINAHL Plus search was conducted between January 2020 and October 2021 to identify studies that examined determinants of QoL. Inclusion criteria for the studies were children between the ages of birth and 20 years with cerebral palsy. The data extraction and quality evaluation of studies were carried out independently by two reviewers. RESULTS: A total of 664 studies were identified in the search, of which 23 studies were included in the review. The majority of the studies were conducted in high-income countries. According to the ICF, 48% of the studies examined body function determinants, 52% examined activities determinants, and 26% examined environmental determinants. In contrast, 13% of the studies examined determinants related to participation and 13% examined determinants related to personal factors. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings, most of the determinants identified in the literature are related sequentially to functional activities, body functions and structures, and environmental factors. Researchers should focus on assessing the determinants of QoL related to participation and personal characteristics for children with cerebral palsy in order to improve their QoL.

Predictors of range of motion restrictions in children with spastic cerebral palsy: A registry-based study.

BACKGROUND: Although children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) commonly present with restricted passive range of motion (PROM) and contractures, knowledge about the child's characteristics that increase the risk of development of restricted PROM is limited. Identifying children who are more likely to develop contractures is important for early detection and the provision of appropriate medical management. This study aims to identify the most commonly restricted PROM of children with spastic CP and (2) to examine the combined effect of a child's age, gender, gross motor functional classification level and CP subtype on the development of restricted PROM in children with spastic CP. METHODS: The PROM of 233 children diagnosed with CP was extracted from the national registry of CP in Jordan (CPUP-Jordan) in addition to information about children's age, gender, level of Gross Motor Function Classification System-Expanded and Revised (GMFCS-E&R) and subtype of CP. The mean age of the participants was 3.73 years (SD = 3.14), 57.5% were males and 80.3% had bilateral spastic CP. Point biserial correlations were calculated between the PROM and the child's variables. Multiple binary logistic regressions were conducted to identify the predictors of PROM. RESULTS: Hip abduction was the most common restricted PROM (57.9%), whereas the hip extension was the least (2.1%). Children with older ages demonstrated more restrictions in knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion; males demonstrated more restriction in hip abduction than females; children with lower GMFCS-E&R levels had more restrictions in hip internal rotation but fewer restrictions in hip abduction and ankle dorsiflexion; and children with bilateral spastic CP had more restrictions in hip abduction than children with unilateral spastic CP. CONCLUSIONS: PROM of the hip, knee and ankle joints of children with spastic CP was predicted by different sets of child characteristics. Implications for health professionals and follow-up registries of children with CP are provided.

Development and Psychometric Properties of the Arabic Parent Nutritional Assessment Scale (A-PNAS) for Children with Developmental Disabilities.

Aims: To describe the development of the Arabic-Parent Nutritional Assessment Scale (A-PNAS), and to examine construct and known-group discriminant validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability of the A-PNAS.Methods: A cross-sectional design was used. Participants were 130-children with CP (mean age = 4.26 ± 3.29 years) who were registered in the national CP registry of Jordan with a matching group of 130-children with typical development (mean age = 4.65 ± 3.54 years). Parents completed the developed A-PNAS through a structured phone interview. Parents of children with CP confirmed their child's level of gross motor function classification system.Results: Exploratory factor analysis identified three subscales in the A-PNAS: Food Intake Problems, Health Problems, and Behavioral Problems which explained 31.6% of the variance in nutritional problems of children with CP. Cronbach's alpha indicated acceptable internal consistency for Food Intake (α = 0.61) and Health Problems (α = 0.67)subscales. Parents of children with CP reported that their children had more food intake, health, and behavioral problems compared to children with typical development (p<.001). Test-retest reliability was excellent for the subscales of the A-PNAS (ICCs = 0.96, 0.98, 0.96).Conclusions: The findings provide support for the face validity, construct validity, internal consistency, Known-Groups discriminant validity, and test-retest reliability of the A-PNAS.

Estimating global injuries morbidity and mortality: methods and data used in the Global Burden of Disease 2017 study.

BACKGROUND: While there is a long history of measuring death and disability from injuries, modern research methods must account for the wide spectrum of disability that can occur in an injury, and must provide estimates with sufficient demographic, geographical and temporal detail to be useful for policy makers. The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2017 study used methods to provide highly detailed estimates of global injury burden that meet these criteria. METHODS: In this study, we report and discuss the methods used in GBD 2017 for injury morbidity and mortality burden estimation. In summary, these methods included estimating cause-specific mortality for every cause of injury, and then estimating incidence for every cause of injury. Non-fatal disability for each cause is then calculated based on the probabilities of suffering from different types of bodily injury experienced. RESULTS: GBD 2017 produced morbidity and mortality estimates for 38 causes of injury. Estimates were produced in terms of incidence, prevalence, years lived with disability, cause-specific mortality, years of life lost and disability-adjusted life-years for a 28-year period for 22 age groups, 195 countries and both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: GBD 2017 demonstrated a complex and sophisticated series of analytical steps using the largest known database of morbidity and mortality data on injuries. GBD 2017 results should be used to help inform injury prevention policy making and resource allocation. We also identify important avenues for improving injury burden estimation in the future.

Global injury morbidity and mortality from 1990 to 2017: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017.

BACKGROUND: Past research in population health trends has shown that injuries form a substantial burden of population health loss. Regular updates to injury burden assessments are critical. We report Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2017 Study estimates on morbidity and mortality for all injuries. METHODS: We reviewed results for injuries from the GBD 2017 study. GBD 2017 measured injury-specific mortality and years of life lost (YLLs) using the Cause of Death Ensemble model. To measure non-fatal injuries, GBD 2017 modelled injury-specific incidence and converted this to prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs). YLLs and YLDs were summed to calculate disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). FINDINGS: In 1990, there were 4 260 493 (4 085 700 to 4 396 138) injury deaths, which increased to 4 484 722 (4 332 010 to 4 585 554) deaths in 2017, while age-standardised mortality decreased from 1079 (1073 to 1086) to 738 (730 to 745) per 100 000. In 1990, there were 354 064 302 (95% uncertainty interval: 338 174 876 to 371 610 802) new cases of injury globally, which increased to 520 710 288 (493 430 247 to 547 988 635) new cases in 2017. During this time, age-standardised incidence decreased non-significantly from 6824 (6534 to 7147) to 6763 (6412 to 7118) per 100 000. Between 1990 and 2017, age-standardised DALYs decreased from 4947 (4655 to 5233) per 100 000 to 3267 (3058 to 3505). INTERPRETATION: Injuries are an important cause of health loss globally, though mortality has declined between 1990 and 2017. Future research in injury burden should focus on prevention in high-burden populations, improving data collection and ensuring access to medical care.

Associations between impairments and activity limitations components of the international classification of functioning and the gross motor function and subtypes of children with cerebral palsy.

[Purpose] Cerebral palsy (CP) encompasses a group of disorders of movement and posture with wide ranges of impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions. Guiding management of children with CP by the ICF model is important to deliver quality services. This study aimed to explore relationship between CP subtypes and the Gross Motor Function Classification System-Expanded and Revised (GMFCS-E&R) and to examine differences in distribution of impairments and activity limitations across CP subtypes and GMFCS-E&R levels. [Participants and Methods] 70 children with CP (mean age: 6.5 ± 2.9 years) were classified using CP subtypes and GMFCS-E&R. Research assistants examined impairments including: scoliosis, scissoring, and inability to bear weight. Parents described their children's transfers and functional mobility. [Results] CP subtypes and GMFCS-E&R levels were significantly associated. Scissoring and scoliosis were predominant in children in levels IV and V of the GMFCS-E&R. Only scoliosis was predominant in children with quadriplegia. Transfer activities and functional mobility were more limited in children with quadriplegia and in level V of the GMFCS-E&R. [Conclusion] Impairments and activity limitations components of the ICF can be differentiated by CP subtypes and GMFCS-E&R. Clinicians can use the two classification in providing comprehensive and individualized services for children with CP and their families.

Functional profiles of children with cerebral palsy in Jordan based on the association between gross motor function and manual ability.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of physical disability in childhood. A major challenge for delivering effective services for children with CP is the heterogeneity of the medical condition. Categorizing children into homogeneous groups based on functional profiles is expected to improve service planning. The aims of this study were to (1) to describe functional profiles of children with CP based on the Gross Motor Function Classification System-Expanded & Revised (GMFCS-E & R) and the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS); and (2) to examine associations and agreements between the GMFCS-E & R and the MACS for all participants then for subgroups based on subtypes of CP and chronological age of children. METHODS: A convenience sample of 124 children with CP (mean age 4.5, SD 2.9 years, 56% male) participated in the study. Children were classified into the GMFCS-E & R and the MACS levels by research assistants based on parents input. Research assistants determined the subtypes of CP. RESULTS: Thirty six percent of the participants were able to ambulate independently (GMFCS-E & R levels I-II) and 64% were able to handle objects independently (MACS levels I-II). The most common functional profile of children with CP in our study is the "manual abilities better than gross motor function". An overall strong correlation was found between the GMFCS-E & R and the MACS (rs = .73, p < .001), the correlations vary significantly based on subtypes of CP and chronological age of children. A very strong correlation was found in children with spastic quadriplegia (rs = .81, p < .001), moderate with spastic diplegia (rs = .64, p < .001), and weak with spastic hemiplegia (rs = .37, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The GMFCS- E & R and the MACS provide complementary but distinctive information related to mobility and manual abilities of children with CP. Subtypes of CP and chronological age differentiated functional profiles. Functional abilities of children with CP in Jordan have similar patterns to children with CP in other countries. Functional profiles can inform clinicians, researchers, and policy makers.

Parents' Perception of Receiving Family-Centered Care for Their Children with Physical Disabilities: A Meta-Analysis.

AIMS: Understanding parent perceptions of family-centered care (FCC) is important to improve processes and outcomes of children's services. OBJECTIVE: A systematic review and meta-analysis of research on the Measures of Processes of Care (MPOC-20) were performed to determine the extent parents of children with physical disabilities perceive they received FCC. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using four databases. A total of 129 studies were retrieved; 15 met the criteria for the synthesis. Meta-analysis involving 2,582 mothers and fathers of children with physical disabilities mainly cerebral palsy was conducted for the five scales of the MPOC-20. RESULTS: Aggregated mean ratings varied from 5.0 to 5.5 for Providing Specific Information about the Child; Coordinated and Comprehensive Care; and Respectful and Supportive Care (relational behaviors) and Enabling and Partnership (participatory behaviors) indicating that, on average, parents rated FCC as having been provided to "a fairly great extent." The aggregated mean rating was 4.1 for Providing General Information, indicating FCC was provided "to a moderate extent." CONCLUSIONS: Service providers are encouraged to focus on child and family needs for general information. Research is needed to better understand parent perspectives of service provider participatory behaviors which are important for engaging families in intervention processes.

Early childhood development strategy for the world's children with disabilities.

Early childhood is foundational for optimal and inclusive lifelong learning, health and well-being. Young children with disabilities face substantial risks of sub-optimal early childhood development (ECD), requiring targeted support to ensure equitable access to lifelong learning opportunities, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Although the Sustainable Development Goals, 2015-2030 (SDGs) emphasise inclusive education for children under 5 years with disabilities, there is no global strategy for achieving this goal since the launch of the SDGs. This paper explores a global ECD framework for children with disabilities based on a review of national ECD programmes from different world regions and relevant global ECD reports published since 2015. Available evidence suggests that any ECD strategy for young children with disabilities should consists of a twin-track approach, strong legislative support, guidelines for early intervention, family involvement, designated coordinating agencies, performance indicators, workforce recruitment and training, as well as explicit funding mechanisms and monitoring systems. This approach reinforces parental rights and liberty to choose appropriate support pathway for their children. We conclude that without a global disability-focussed ECD strategy that incorporates these key features under a dedicated global leadership, the SDGs vision and commitment for the world's children with disabilities are unlikely to be realised.

Translation, adaptation, and validation of the Arabic version of the meaningful auditory integration scale.

OBJECTIVES: The main objectives of this study were to translate and adapt the infant-toddler meaningful integration scale (IT-MAIS) into Arabic and to establish the psychometric properties of the translated scale in children with a cochlear implant. METHODS: The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of this questionnaire were completed in multiple steps and following standard translation protocols. In total, twenty-eight parents of young cochlear implant recipients completed IT-MAIS. Data were collected postoperatively and at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month post-device activation. Data were examined for the validity and reliability of the scale. The internal consistency and reliability of the scale were analyzed using Cronbach α, split-half reliability, and the corrected item-total correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Findings demonstrated that the scale exhibited good face and content validity, suggesting that the scale is a one-dimensional measure. Additionally, the reliability analysis for the scale indicated high reliability and correlation among test items. IT-MAIS scores consistently improved over time for all participants and this improvement. correlated negatively with the duration of deafness. CONCLUSION: Current findings indicated that the translated Arabic version of the IT-MAIS scale could serve as a valid instrument for assessing the development of auditory skills in Arabic-speaking children with cochlear implants.

Psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the meaningful use of speech scale (Arabic MUSS).

PURPOSE: To examine the construct, discriminative, and predictive validity, and the test-retest reliability of the Arabic Meaningful Use of Speech Scale (MUSS). METHODS: Parents of 102 children with cochlear implantation (CI) with a matching control group of 102 children with normal hearing completed the Arabic-MUSS scale. A random subsample of 30 parents was interviewed after two weeks to examine the test-retest reliability. RESULTS: the construct validity of the Arabic-MUSS was established by exploratory factor analysis that yielded a unidimensional scale and explained a total of 92.48% of the variance in the total score of the Arabic-MUSS. The internal consistency of the scale was excellent with Cronbach's alpha = 0.975. The Arabic-MUSS discriminative validity was supported by the significant difference between the total score of children with CI and children with normal hearing (p < 0.0001). The Arabic-MUSS has a moderate predictive validity as demonstrated by the moderate correlation between the total score and the time since cochlear implantation (p < 0.001). The Arabic-MUSS has excellent test-retest reliability. CONCLUSION: The Arabic-MUSS is a valid and reliable measure that can be used to guide plans for auditory rehabilitation and monitor the progress of children with cochlear implantation over time.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe Arabic-Meaningful Use of Speech Scale is a valid and reliable parent-report assessment.The Arabic-Meaningful Use of Speech Scale evaluates functional speech in children with cochlear implantation.Clinicians can use the Arabic- Meaningful Use of Speech Scale to plan and monitor the progress of auditory rehabilitation programs.

Determinants of functional mobility in children with cerebral palsy in three different environments: A registry-based study.

BACKGROUND: Functional mobility in children with cerebral palsy (CP) varies widely and is affected by many factors related to the child and environment. Understanding this variability in child's natural environments: home, school, and community; and its determinants are important for effective child management. METHODS: This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the functional mobility of children with CP within home, school, and community, and explore its determinants. Participants were 107 children with CP (aged 6.4 ± 2.9 years). Functional Mobility Scale was the outcome variable. Potential determinants included child-associated impairments and interventions. Three ordinal logistic regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Children in Gross Motor Functional Classification System-Expanded and Revised level I walked without assistive devices in all environments, while children in levels II/III used different mobility methods in different environments. Children in levels IV/V used a wheelchair or had no form of functional mobility in all environments. Determinants of mobility varied across different environments but included impairments (visual impairments, scoliosis) and interventions (Botox, medications for spasticity, orthoses). CONCLUSIONS: Child impairments and interventions received should be considered when exploring mobility options for children with CP in different environments. Further research is needed to examine other environmental and personal factors affecting mobility.

Prioritising rehabilitation in early childhood for inclusive education: a call to action.

PURPOSE: This commentary examines the provisions for early childhood development (ECD) in the global action plan for rehabilitation published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) within the context of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) for inclusive education. METHODS: The meeting reports of the WHO Rehabilitation 2030 for 2017 and 2019 and the related documents were reviewed along with ECD policy documents from WHO, UNICEF, UNESCO, and the World Bank. RESULTS: The importance of a life-course approach to rehabilitation for the health and wellbeing of persons with disabilities was highlighted in the Rehabilitation 2030. However, the critical and foundational role of rehabilitation in ECD for children with disabilities to facilitate inclusive education, especially in low- and middle-income countries as envisioned by the SDG 4.2, was not clearly addressed. Children under 5 years with developmental delays and disabilities who are not developmentally on track in health and psychosocial wellbeing require timely rehabilitation to ensure that they benefit from inclusive education. CONCLUSIONS: The culture and practice of rehabilitation should be nurtured from infancy as an indispensable component of ECD to adequately prepare children with developmental disabilities for inclusive education and ensure effective rehabilitation services over the life course. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONRehabilitation is an integral and critical component of early childhood development to optimise school readiness for children with developmental disabilities.Routine newborn screening, developmental assessment, and surveillance of children from birth are foundational to any effective rehabilitation in early childhood.Global investment to promote and support rehabilitation services from early childhood within the health systems and across all levels of service delivery including community settings is warranted to achieve the sustainable development goals for children with disabilities.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Governmental Policies on Rehabilitation Services and Physical Medicine in Jordan: A Retrospective Study.

Background: Although the COVID-19 pandemic led to a series of governmental policies and regulations around the world, the effect of these policies on access to and provision of rehabilitation services has not been examined, especially in low and middle- income countries. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of governmental policies and procedures on the number of patients who accessed rehabilitation services in the public sector in Jordan during the pandemic and to examine the combined effect of sociodemographic factors (age and gender) and the governmental procedures on this number of patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted based on records of 32,503 patients who visited the rehabilitation center between January 2020 and February 2021. Interrupted time-series analysis was conducted with three periods and by age and gender. Results: The number of patients who visited the rehabilitation clinics decreased significantly between January 2020 and May 2020 due to government-imposed policies, then increased significantly until peaking in September 2020 (p = 0.0002). Thereafter, the number of patients decreased between October 2020 and February 2021 as a result of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (p = 0.02). The numbers of male and female patients did not differ (p > 0.05). There were more patients aged 20 years and older attending rehabilitation clinics than younger patients during the first strict lock down and the following reduction of restriction procedures periods (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The COVID-19 public measures in Jordan reduced access to rehabilitation services. New approaches to building resilience and access to rehabilitation during public health emergencies are needed. A further examination of strategies and new approaches to building resilience and increasing access to rehabilitation during public health emergencies is warranted.

The Effect of Bilateral Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation versus Treadmill Training on Brain Activities, Gait Functions, Level of Participation and Enjoyment of Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral palsy (CP) possesses bilateral sensory-motor cortical excitability alterations. In past studies, researchers have applied unilateral anodal transcranial direct stimulation (tDCS) with inconsistent findings. OBJECTIVE: Examining the effects of treadmill training with either unilateral or bilateral anodal tDCS stimulation on brain activities, gait, and body functions of children with CP. DESIGN: Randomized-clinical-trial. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty children with CP will be allocated into: treadmill/bilateral-tDCS, treadmill/unilateral-tDCS, treadmill/sham-tDCS, and treadmill groups. Additional 20 neurotypical children will be recruited for comparison. INTERVENTION: Planned intervention will implement ten-sessions of treadmill training (50% of maximum-ground speed) either with unilateral-tDCS over left sensory-motor, or bilateral-tDCS over left/right sensory-motor areas. Brain activities, gait, body functions, and participation will be assessed at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at one-month follow-up. RESULT AND DISCUSSION: This study would contribute to extant findings on the use of tDCS stimulation in children with CP and to our understanding of the appropriateness of the planned outcome measures.

Determinants of Manual Abilities of Children with Cerebral Palsy: A National Registry-Based Study.

PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study aimed to identify determinants of manual abilities of children with cerebral palsy (CP), as measured by the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), in terms of intrinsic (child-related) and extrinsic (service-related) variables. METHODS: The participants were 106 children with a confirmed diagnosis of CP (aged 4-16 years). Two ordinal logistic regression models were conducted to identify intrinsic and extrinsic determinants of manual abilities. RESULTS: Four child-related (intrinsic) variables were found to be significant determinants of manual abilities: bimanual ability, ability to maintain and assume chair sitting, presence of seizures, and gross motor function, and only one service-related (extrinsic) significant variable was identified, which was receiving spasticity medications. DISCUSSION: The results highlight several determinants that should be considered when assessing and intervening to improve manual abilities of children with CP. The findings are discussed in relation to the intervention approach, contextual modification, and assistive device prescription.

Cancer Incidence, Mortality, Years of Life Lost, Years Lived With Disability, and Disability-Adjusted Life Years for 29 Cancer Groups From 2010 to 2019: A Systematic Analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

IMPORTANCE: The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019 (GBD 2019) provided systematic estimates of incidence, morbidity, and mortality to inform local and international efforts toward reducing cancer burden. OBJECTIVE: To estimate cancer burden and trends globally for 204 countries and territories and by Sociodemographic Index (SDI) quintiles from 2010 to 2019. EVIDENCE REVIEW: The GBD 2019 estimation methods were used to describe cancer incidence, mortality, years lived with disability, years of life lost, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in 2019 and over the past decade. Estimates are also provided by quintiles of the SDI, a composite measure of educational attainment, income per capita, and total fertility rate for those younger than 25 years. Estimates include 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). FINDINGS: In 2019, there were an estimated 23.6 million (95% UI, 22.2-24.9 million) new cancer cases (17.2 million when excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer) and 10.0 million (95% UI, 9.36-10.6 million) cancer deaths globally, with an estimated 250 million (235-264 million) DALYs due to cancer. Since 2010, these represented a 26.3% (95% UI, 20.3%-32.3%) increase in new cases, a 20.9% (95% UI, 14.2%-27.6%) increase in deaths, and a 16.0% (95% UI, 9.3%-22.8%) increase in DALYs. Among 22 groups of diseases and injuries in the GBD 2019 study, cancer was second only to cardiovascular diseases for the number of deaths, years of life lost, and DALYs globally in 2019. Cancer burden differed across SDI quintiles. The proportion of years lived with disability that contributed to DALYs increased with SDI, ranging from 1.4% (1.1%-1.8%) in the low SDI quintile to 5.7% (4.2%-7.1%) in the high SDI quintile. While the high SDI quintile had the highest number of new cases in 2019, the middle SDI quintile had the highest number of cancer deaths and DALYs. From 2010 to 2019, the largest percentage increase in the numbers of cases and deaths occurred in the low and low-middle SDI quintiles. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The results of this systematic analysis suggest that the global burden of cancer is substantial and growing, with burden differing by SDI. These results provide comprehensive and comparable estimates that can potentially inform efforts toward equitable cancer control around the world.

Pediatric Arabic Closed-Set Word-Recognition Test: Development and Evaluation of Psychometric Characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Speech audiometry materials are widely available in many different languages. However, there are no known standardized materials for the assessment of speech recognition in Arabic-speaking children. PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to develop and validate phonetically balanced and psychometrically equivalent monosyllabic word recognition lists for children through a picture identification task. RESEARCH DESIGN: A prospective repeated-measure design was used. Monosyllabic words were chosen from children's storybooks and were evaluated for familiarity. The selected words were then divided into four phonetically balanced word lists. The final lists were evaluated for homogeneity and equivalency. STUDY SAMPLE: Ten adults and 32 children with normal hearing sensitivity were recruited. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSES: Lists were presented to adult subjects in 5 dB increment from 0 to 60 dB hearing level. Individual data were then fitted using a sigmoid function from which the 50% threshold, slopes at the 50% points, and slopes at the 20 to 80% points were derived to determine list psychometric properties. Lists were next presented to children in two separate sessions to assess their equivalency, validity, and reliability. Data were subjected to a mixed design analysis of variance. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found among the word lists. CONCLUSION: This study provided an evidence that the monosyllabic word lists had comparable psychometric characteristics and reliability. This supports that the constructed speech corpus is a valid tool that can be used in assessing speech recognition in Arabic-speaking children.

Burden of Malnutrition among Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy in Arabic-Speaking Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to estimate the burden and underlying risk factors of malnutrition among children and adolescents with cerebral palsy in Arabic-speaking countries. METHODS: OVID Medline, OVID Embase, CINAHL via EBSCO, Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS databases were searched up to 3 July 2021. Publications were reviewed to identify relevant papers following pre-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Two reviewers independently assessed the studies for inclusion. Data extraction was independently completed by two reviewers. Descriptive and pooled analysis has been reported. RESULTS: From a total of 79 records screened, nine full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, of which seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Study characteristics, anthropometric measurements used, and nutritional outcome reported varied between the studies. The included studies contained data of total 400 participants aged 1-18 years. Overall, (mean: 71.46%, 95% confidence interval: 55.52-85.04) of children with cerebral palsy had at least one form of malnutrition. Severe gross motor function limitation, feeding difficulties, cognitive impairment and inadequate energy intake were the commonly reported underlying risk factors for malnutrition among children with cerebral palsy. CONCLUSIONS: The burden of malnutrition is high among children with cerebral palsy in Arabic-speaking countries. More research is needed for better understanding of this public health issue in these countries.

Therapeutic Effects of Bilateral Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Prefrontal and Motor Cortical Areas in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Pilot Study.

Dysfunctional frontal cortical areas associated with clinical features are observed in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study attempted to identify any potential therapeutic effects of bilateral anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied over the left and right prefrontal and motor areas on the clinical characteristics of children with ASD. Fifty children with confirmed ASD medical diagnoses were divided equally and randomly into a tDCS treatment group and a control group. The tDCS treatment group underwent 10 sessions (20-min durations, five per week) of bilateral anodal tDCS stimulation applied simultaneously over the left and right prefrontal and motor areas, whereas the control group underwent the same procedures but with the use of sham tDCS stimulation. Total scores and sub-scores of autism treatment evaluation checklist (ATEC) (language and communication; sociability; sensory awareness; and behavioral, health, and physical conditions) were measured before and after the tDCS treatment sessions of both groups. There were significant decreases in total ATEC scores (P = 0.014), sociability sub-scores (P = 0.021), and behavioral, health, and physical condition sub-scores (P = 0.011) in the tDCS treatment group. No significant changes were observed in total ATEC scores and sub-scores in the control group. In conclusion, compared to the control group, bilateral anodal tDCS showed potential therapeutic effects on children with ASD in terms of improvements in sociability, behavior, health, and physical conditions with no reported side effects. Autism Res 2020, 13: 828-836. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: Dysfunctional frontal cortical areas are associated with clinical features in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is found to be a safe, noninvasive method to stimulate cortical regions and thus have therapeutic effects on children with ASD. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.