The general movement checklist: A guide to the assessment of general movements during preterm and term age

Abstract Objectives To develop a checklist describing features of normal and abnormal general movements in order to guide General Movement Assessment novices through the assessment procedure, to provide a quantification of General Movement Assessment; and to demonstrate that normal and abnormal GMs can be distinguished on the basis of a metric checklist score. Methods Three examiners used General Movement Assessment and the newly developed GM checklist to assess 20 videos of 16 infants (seven males) recorded at 31-45 weeks postmenstrual age (writhing general movements). Inter- and intra-scorer agreement was determined for General Movement Assessment (nominal data; Kappa values) and the checklist score (metric scale ranging from 0 to 26; Intraclass Correlation values). The scorers' satisfaction with the usefulness of the checklist was assessed by means of a short questionnaire (score 10 for maximum satisfaction). Results The scorers' satisfaction ranged from 8.44 to 9.14, which indicates high satisfaction. The median checklist score of the nine videos showing normal general movements was significantly higher than that of the eleven videos showing abnormal general movements (26 vs. 11, p < 0.001). The checklist score also differentiated between poor-repertoire (median = 13) and cramped-synchronized general movements (median = 7; p = 0.002). Inter- and intra-scorer agreement on (i) normal vs. abnormal general movements was good to excellent (Kappa = 0.68-1.00); (ii) the distinction between the four general movement categories was considerable to excellent (Kappa = 0.56-0.93); (iii) the checklist was good to excellent (ICC = 0.77-0.96). Conclusion The general movement checklist proved an important tool for the evaluation of normal and abnormal general movements; its score may potentially document individual trajectories and the effect of therapeutic intervention.

Neurodevelopment in the third year of life in children with antenatal ZIKV-exposure.

We report cognitive, language and motor neurodevelopment, assessed by the Bayley-III test, in 31 non-microcephalic children at age 3 with PCR-confirmed maternal Zika virus exposure (Rio de Janeiro, 2015-2016). Most children had average neurodevelopmental scores, however, 8 children (26%) presented delay in some domain. Language was the most affected: 7 children (22.6%) had a delay in this domain (2 presenting severe delay). Moderate delay was detected in the cognitive (3.2%) and motor (10%) domains. Maternal illness in the third trimester of pregnancy and later gestational age at birth were associated with higher Bayley-III scores. Zika-exposed children require long-term follow-up until school age.

The general movement checklist: A guide to the assessment of general movements during preterm and term age.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a checklist describing features of normal and abnormal general movements in order to guide General Movement Assessment novices through the assessment procedure, to provide a quantification of General Movement Assessment; and to demonstrate that normal and abnormal GMs can be distinguished on the basis of a metric checklist score. METHODS: Three examiners used General Movement Assessment and the newly developed GM checklist to assess 20 videos of 16 infants (seven males) recorded at 31-45 weeks postmenstrual age (writhing general movements). Inter- and intra-scorer agreement was determined for General Movement Assessment (nominal data; Kappa values) and the checklist score (metric scale ranging from 0 to 26; Intraclass Correlation values). The scorers' satisfaction with the usefulness of the checklist was assessed by means of a short questionnaire (score 10 for maximum satisfaction). RESULTS: The scorers' satisfaction ranged from 8.44 to 9.14, which indicates high satisfaction. The median checklist score of the nine videos showing normal general movements was significantly higher than that of the eleven videos showing abnormal general movements (26 vs. 11, p<0.001). The checklist score also differentiated between poor-repertoire (median=13) and cramped-synchronized general movements (median=7; p=0.002). Inter- and intra-scorer agreement on (i) normal vs. abnormal general movements was good to excellent (Kappa=0.68-1.00); (ii) the distinction between the four general movement categories was considerable to excellent (Kappa=0.56-0.93); (iii) the checklist was good to excellent (ICC=0.77-0.96). CONCLUSION: The general movement checklist proved an important tool for the evaluation of normal and abnormal general movements; its score may potentially document individual trajectories and the effect of therapeutic intervention.

Neurodevelopment in the third year of life in children with antenatal ZIKV-exposure

ABSTRACT We report cognitive, language and motor neurodevelopment, assessed by the Bayley-III test, in 31 non-microcephalic children at age 3 with PCR-confirmed maternal Zika virus exposure (Rio de Janeiro, 2015-2016). Most children had average neurodevelopmental scores, however, 8 children (26%) presented delay in some domain. Language was the most affected: 7 children (22.6%) had a delay in this domain (2 presenting severe delay). Moderate delay was detected in the cognitive (3.2%) and motor (10%) domains. Maternal illness in the third trimester of pregnancy and later gestational age at birth were associated with higher Bayley-III scores. Zika-exposed children require long-term follow-up until school age.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined With Therapeutic Exercise in Chronic Low Back Pain: Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Although some studies have shown the clinical benefits of therapeutic exercise in chronic nonspecific low back pain, the effect sizes are generally small to moderate and recurrence rates are high. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been used to modulate pain-processing systems and motor outputs and has the potential to optimize the clinical benefits of therapeutic exercise. However, evidence for this combination is still lacking. The purpose of this protocol for a randomized clinical trial is to investigate whether the combination of tDCS and therapeutic exercise is more effective in relieving pain than therapeutic exercise alone. METHODS: This 2-arm, randomized controlled clinical trial will take place at the Federal University of Piauí, Brazil. Sixty patients will be randomized into 2 groups to receive tDCS (real/sham) + exercise therapies for 12 sessions over a period of 4 weeks. Pain intensity, sensory and affective aspects of pain, physical functioning, kinesiophobia, and global perceived effect will be recorded before treatment and at 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after randomization. Data will be collected by an examiner unaware of (blind to) the treatment allocation. IMPACT: This trial can potentially provide important information and assist in clinical decision-making on the combined use of tDCS to optimize the clinical benefits of therapeutic exercise in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Delayed childhood neurodevelopment and neurosensory alterations in the second year of life in a prospective cohort of ZIKV-exposed children.

We report neurodevelopmental outcomes in 216 infants followed since the time of PCR-confirmed maternal Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in pregnancy during the Rio de Janeiro epidemic of 2015-2016 (refs. 1,2). Neurodevelopment was assessed by Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, third edition (Bayley-III; cognitive, language and motor domains) in 146 children and through neurodevelopment questionnaires/neurological examinations in 70 remaining children. Complete eye exams (n = 137) and hearing assessments (n = 114) were also performed. Below-average neurodevelopment and/or abnormal eye or hearing assessments were noted in 31.5% of children between 7 and 32 months of age. Among children assessed by Bayley-III, 12% scored below -2 s.d. (score <70; a score of 100 ± 2 s.d. is the range) in at least one domain; and 28% scored between -1 and -2 s.d. in any domain (scores <85-70). Language function was most affected, with 35% of 146 children below average. Improved neurodevelopmental outcomes were noted in female children, term babies, children with normal eye exams and maternal infection later in pregnancy (P = 0.01). We noted resolution of microcephaly with normal neurodevelopment in two of eight children, development of secondary microcephaly in two other children and autism spectrum disorder in three previously healthy children in the second year of life.

Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on balance improvement: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has emerged as a promising therapeutic tool to improve balance and optimize rehabilitation strategies. However, current literature shows the methodological heterogeneity of tDCS protocols and results, hindering any clear conclusions about the effects of tDCS on postural control. Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of tDCS on postural control, and identify the most beneficial target brain areas and the effect on different populations. Methods: Two independent reviewers selected randomized tDCS clinical-trials studies from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and reference lists of retrieved articles published between 1998 and 2017. Most frequently reported centre of pressure (COP) variables were selected for meta-analysis. Other postural control outcomes were discussed in the review. Results: Thirty studies were included in the systematic review, and 11 were submitted to a meta-analysis. A reduction of COP displacement area has been significantly achieved by tDCS, evidencing an improvement in balance control. Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) and healthy young adults are mostly affected by stimulation. The analysis of the impact of tDCS over different brain areas revealed a significant effect after primary motor cortex (M1) stimulation, however, with no clear results after cerebellar stimulation due to divergent results among studies. Conclusions: tDCS appears to improve balance control, more evident in healthy and CP subjects. Effects are observed when primary MI is stimulated. Cerebellar stimulation should be better investigated.

Hip Mobilization at Preterm Age May Accelerate Developmental Dysplasia Recovery.

PURPOSE: Few studies have described mobilization approaches in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The present study describes the hip mobilization of a preterm infant (born at 33 6/7 weeks of gestational age) diagnosed with DDH. DESIGN AND METHODS: During the 43-day hospital stay, the infant was seen twice a week (ten sessions, 20 minutes each). All sessions included hip approximation maneuvers, with the hip positioned in abduction, lateral rotation and flexion, and lower limbs passive mobilization, which were taught to the mother. Early intervention with auditory, tactile, visual, and vestibular stimulations was also performed. The infant was assessed with hip ultrasound before and after treatment. RESULTS: At 34 2/7 weeks of gestational age, she was classified as Graf IIa (left: alpha: 55°, beta: 68°; right: alpha: 59°, beta: 64°). At 40 5/7 weeks, she was classified as Graf I for left (alpha: 67°; beta: 42°) and right (alpha: 66°; beta: 42°) hips. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The intervention seemed to accelerate the acquisition of stability of dysplasic hips in a preterm infant. The outcome supports further investigation of hip approximation maneuvers as part of early stimulation in preterm infants with DDH during hospital stay.

The relationship between motor function, cognition, independence and quality of life in myelomeningocele patients.

Motor function, cognition, functional independence and quality of life have been described in myelomeningocele patients, but no study has investigated their relationships. We aimed to investigate the relationships between motor function, cognition, functional independence, quality of life, age, and lesion level in myelomeningocele patients, and investigate the influence of hydrocephalus on these variables. We assessed 47 patients with the Gross Motor Function Measure (motor function), Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (cognition), Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (functional independence) and the Autoquestionnaire Qualité de vie Enfant Imagé (quality of life). Spearman's correlation tests determined relationships between the variables. The Friedman ANOVAs determined the influence of hydrocephalus. Motor function was strongly related to mobility and lesion level, and moderately related to cognition, self-care and social function. Cognition and quality of life were moderately related to functional independence. Age correlated moderately with functional independence and quality of life. Hydrocephalus resulted in poorer motor/cognitive outcomes and lower functional independence.

The relationship between motor function, cognition, independence and quality of life in myelomeningocele patients / Relação entre função motora, cognição, independência funcional e qualidade de vida em pacientes com mielomeningocele

ABSTRACT Motor function, cognition, functional independence and quality of life have been described in myelomeningocele patients, but no study has investigated their relationships. We aimed to investigate the relationships between motor function, cognition, functional independence, quality of life, age, and lesion level in myelomeningocele patients, and investigate the influence of hydrocephalus on these variables. We assessed 47 patients with the Gross Motor Function Measure (motor function), Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (cognition), Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (functional independence) and the Autoquestionnaire Qualité de vie Enfant Imagé (quality of life). Spearman's correlation tests determined relationships between the variables. The Friedman ANOVAs determined the influence of hydrocephalus. Motor function was strongly related to mobility and lesion level, and moderately related to cognition, self-care and social function. Cognition and quality of life were moderately related to functional independence. Age correlated moderately with functional independence and quality of life. Hydrocephalus resulted in poorer motor/cognitive outcomes and lower functional independence.

RESUMO Função motora, cognição, independência funcional e qualidade de vida foram descritos em pacientes com mielomeningocele (MMC), mas sua correlação não foi investigada. Esse estudo investigou correlações entre função motora, cognição, independência funcional, qualidade de vida, idade, nível de lesão em pacientes com MMC e a influência da hidrocefalia nessas variáveis. Quarenta e sete pacientes foram avaliados com a Medida de Função Motora Grossa, Matrizes Progressivas de Raven, Inventário de Avaliação Pediátrica de Incapacidade e Autoquestionnaire Qualité de vie Enfant Imagé. Testes de Spearman investigaram as correlações. ANOVAS de Friedman investigaram a influência da hidrocefalia. A função motora correlacionou-se fortemente com mobilidade e nível de lesão e moderadamente com cognição, auto-cuidado e função social. Cognição e qualidade de vida correlacionaram-se moderadamante com independência funcional. Idade correlacionou moderadamente com independência funcional e qualidade de vida. Hidrocefalia associou-se a piores desfechos motores/cognitivos e menor independência funcional.

Analgesic efficacy of cerebral and peripheral electrical stimulation in chronic nonspecific low back pain: a randomized, double-blind, factorial clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic non-specific low back pain is a major socioeconomic public health issue worldwide and, despite the volume of research in the area, it is still a difficult-to-treat condition. The conservative analgesic therapy usually comprises a variety of pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. The neuromatrix pain model and the new findings on the process of chronicity of pain point to a higher effectiveness of treatments that address central rather than peripheral structures. The transcranial direct current stimulation is a noninvasive technique of neuromodulation that has made recent advances in the treatment of chronic pain. The simultaneous combination of these two electrostimulation techniques (cerebral and peripheral) can provide an analgesic effect superior to isolated interventions. However, all the evidence on the analgesic efficacy of these techniques, alone or combined, is still fragmented. This is a protocol for a randomized clinical trial to investigate whether cerebral electrical stimulation combined with peripheral electrical stimulation is more effective in relieving pain than the isolated application of electrical stimulations in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. METHODS/DESIGN: Ninety-two patients will be randomized into four groups to receive transcranial direct current stimulation (real/sham) + transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (real/sham) for 12 sessions over a period of four weeks. The primary clinical outcome (pain intensity) and the secondary ones (sensory and affective aspects of pain, physical functioning and global perceived effect) will be recorded before treatment, after four weeks, in Month 3 and in Month 6 after randomization. Confounding factors such as anxiety and depression, the patient's satisfaction with treatment and adverse effects will also be listed. Data will be collected by an examiner unaware of (blind to) the treatment allocation. DISCUSSION: The results of this study may assist in clinical decision-making about the combined use of cerebral and peripheral electrical stimulation for pain relief in patients with chronic low back pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01896453.

Is functional dependence of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients determinant of the quality of life and burden of their caregivers?

OBJECTIVE: The relationship between functional dependence and quality of life (QOL) in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients and burden and QOL in caregivers is not clear. This study investigated possible relationships between functional dependence/QOL of DMD patients and QOL/burden of caregivers. METHOD: This study included 35 boys (6-17 years) and respective caregivers (above 21 years). Caregivers answered to World Health Organization Quality of Life and Zarit Burden Interview questionnaires. Patients were assessed with the Motor Function Measure and the Autoquestionnaire Qualité de vie Enfant Imagé. Spearman correlations and linear regressions were run to investigate relationships between the variables. RESULTS: The occurrence of lower QOL and higher burden among the caregivers of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy was evidenced. The functional dependence of patients was not considered a determinant factor. Higher caregivers' burden was related to lower caregivers' QOL and to higher patients' ages.

Is functional dependence of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients determinant of the quality of life and burden of their caregivers? / A dependência funcional de pacientes com distrofia muscular de Duchenne é fator determinante na qualidade de vida e na sobrecarga de seus cuidadores?

Objective The relationship between functional dependence and quality of life (QOL) in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients and burden and QOL in caregivers is not clear. This study investigated possible relationships between functional dependence/QOL of DMD patients and QOL/burden of caregivers. Method This study included 35 boys (6-17 years) and respective caregivers (above 21 years). Caregivers answered to World Health Organization Quality of Life and Zarit Burden Interview questionnaires. Patients were assessed with the Motor Function Measure and the Autoquestionnaire Qualité de vie Enfant Imagé. Spearman correlations and linear regressions were run to investigate relationships between the variables. Results The occurrence of lower QOL and higher burden among the caregivers of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy was evidenced. The functional dependence of patients was not considered a determinant factor. Higher caregivers’ burden was related to lower caregivers’ QOL and to higher patients’ ages. .

Objetivo A relação entre qualidade de vida e função motora de pacientes com distrofia muscular de Duchenne (DMD) e sobrecarga e qualidade de vida (QV) dos cuidadores não está clara na literatura. Esse estudo investigou possíveis relações entre dependência funcional/QV de pacientes e sobrecarga/QV dos cuidadores em 35 meninos (6-17 anos) com DMD e respectivos cuidadores (acima de 21 anos). Método Cada cuidador respondeu ao questionário de QV da Organização Mundial de Saúde e de sobrecarga de Zarit e o paciente foi avaliado com a medida de função motora e o Autoquestionnaire Qualité de vie Enfant Imagé. Correlações de Spearman e regressões lineares investigaram possíveis relações entre as variáveis. Resultados A ocorrência de menor QV e maior sobrecarga entre cuidadores foi evidenciada, enquanto a dependência funcional dos pacientes não foi considerada fator determinante. Conclusão Cuidadores com maior sobrecarga apresentaram menor QV relacionada à maior idade dos pacientes. .