FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY IN KRAPINA-ZAGORJE COUNTY.

The aim was to study functional abilities and to create functional classification of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Krapina-Zagorje County, based on the classification of gross and fine motor skills and associated impairments. Classification was performed according to the SCPE (Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe) criteria. We used standardized and complementary functional classification systems for cerebral palsy to create a functional profile. Research included 44 children with CP in the age range of 4 to 18 years. The results showed that the majority of children had bilateral spastic CP (63.6%), followed by unilateral spastic (22.7%) while the representation of dyskinetic CP was 9.09% and ataxic CP 4.55%. Based on the classification of gross and fine motor skills, 43.2% of children had the ability to walk, 11% of children could walk with assistive mobility devices, while 45.4% of children had a low functional level. The study also analyzed the associated impairments where higher classification score of motor impairment correlated with the severity of impairment. The results showed that children with dyskinetic CP and severe motor impairment could have mild cognitive impairment. We systematically present the neuropsychological and functional profile according to the CP type.

CALCIFIC TENDINOPATHY: CALCIUM DEPOSIT MORPHOLOGY DIRECTLY AFFECTS PAIN AND FUNCTION OF THE SHOULDER.

The aim of this study was to determine conventional ultrasonography characteristics of calcium deposits in patients diagnosed with calcific tendinopathy, to determine vascularization around deposits by power Doppler, and to compare morphological and power Doppler findings with clinical findings by use of two questionnaires. Pain and function were evaluated using the visual analog scale and two questionnaires, Constant Shoulder Score and Oxford Shoulder Score. All subjects underwent ultrasonography examination and evaluation of vascularization (flow) along calcium deposit using power Doppler. Fifty-one subjects were included in the study. The χ2-test, a non-parametric statistics method was used because of the categorical type of variables. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. In the inactive phase, calcium deposit was shown as a hyperechoic focal point with dorsal acoustic shadow and negative power Doppler finding, whereas in the resorptive phase it appeared as fragmented irregular hyperechoic focal points with positive power Doppler findings. This study showed the patients with fragmented, cloudy calcification to have statistically significantly worse results on functional questionnaires and more positive power Doppler findings (grades II and III) and to experience stronger pain (visual analog scale 8-10). Upon defining the stage of calcific tendinopathy, the method of treatment can be determined and further course of the disease predicted. Defining the stage of calcification precisely helps avoid unnecessary and long-lasting physical therapy while introducing an effective treatment option, depending on the stage of the disease.

Effect of exercises on quality of life in women with osteoporosis and osteopenia.

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by decreased bone mass and impaired microarchitecture resulting in bone fragility and an increased risk of fractures. Prevention of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures among others include adequate physical activity. Epidemiological studies indicate that fewer fractures in active women, regardless of whether it is a result of direct effects on bone or improve coordination, balance and muscle strength. The aim of research was to examine the impact of exercise program for osteoporosis in the duration of four weeks on health and psychological aspects of patient quality of life using the questionnaire SF-36, used before and after the program. The SF-36 is used for self-assessment of health status and represents the operationalization of two general concept of health such as physical and mental health and consists of 36 particles. The study included 39 participants with osteopenia and osteoporosis. All respondents have implemented a program of exercises for osteoporosis in duration 28 days. The program consisted of exercises for osteoporosis, advice on diet, tips on preventing falls, interviews and examinations performed before and during implementation of the program. Results showed that using a short program of exercises and education leads to significant changes in self-reported quality of life of subjects. The study confirmed a statistically significant reduction in pain using a visual analog scale (VAS) before and after the program.