Effect of task-oriented training on balance and motor function of ambulant children with cerebral palsy.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The study evaluated the effect of task-oriented training (TOT) on the motor function (MF) and balance of ambulant children with cerebral palsy (CP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 46 children were randomised into TOT group (n=23) and Control Group (CG [n=23]), but 39 children complete the study. Balance and MF were assessed at baseline, 6th and 12th weeks and 6 weeks post-intervention. Data were analysed with repeated measures ANOVA, Friedman's, Mann-Whitney U, Student's-t and post hoc tests at α≤0.05. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable in all baseline scores (P>0.05). At the 6th week, significant between-group difference was observed in MF only [TOT=81.9 (18.5); CG=72.8 (19.4)] (P<0.05). There were significant between-group differences in MF [TOT=88.8 (9.4); CG=75.5 (18.5); P<0.05] and balance (TOT=9.4±4.5; CG=13.6±6.9; P<0.05) at the 12th week (P<0.05) and 6 weeks post-intervention (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: TOT improved the balance and MF of ambulant children with CP.

A Personalized Approach to Improve Walking Detection in Real-Life Settings: Application to Children with Cerebral Palsy.

Although many methods have been developed to detect walking by using body-worn inertial sensors, their performances decline when gait patterns become abnormal, as seen in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The aim of this study was to evaluate if fine-tuning an existing walking bouts (WB) detection algorithm by various thresholds, customized at the individual or group level, could improve WB detection in children with CP and typical development (TD). Twenty children (10 CP, 10 TD) wore 4 inertial sensors on their lower limbs during laboratory and out-laboratory assessments. Features extracted from the gyroscope signals recorded in the laboratory were used to tune thresholds of an existing walking detection algorithm for each participant (individual-based personalization: Indiv) or for each group (population-based customization: Pop). Out-of-laboratory recordings were analyzed for WB detection with three versions of the algorithm (i.e., original fixed thresholds and adapted thresholds based on the Indiv and Pop methods), and the results were compared against video reference data. The clinical impact was assessed by quantifying the effect of WB detection error on the estimated walking speed distribution. The two customized Indiv and Pop methods both improved WB detection (higher, sensitivity, accuracy and precision), with the individual-based personalization showing the best results. Comparison of walking speed distribution obtained with the best of the two methods showed a significant difference for 8 out of 20 participants. The personalized Indiv method excluded non-walking activities that were initially wrongly interpreted as extremely slow walking with the initial method using fixed thresholds. Customized methods, particularly individual-based personalization, appear more efficient to detect WB in daily-life settings.

Development of a Data Logger for Capturing Human-Machine Interaction in Wheelchair Head-Foot Steering Sensor System in Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy.

The use of data logging systems for capturing wheelchair and user behavior has increased rapidly over the past few years. Wheelchairs ensure more independent mobility and better quality of life for people with motor disabilities. Especially, for people with complex movement disorders, such as dyskinetic cerebral palsy (DCP) who lack the ability to walk or to handle objects, wheelchairs offer a means of integration into daily life. The mobility of DCP patients is based on a head-foot wheelchair steering system. In this work, a data logging system is proposed to capture data from human-wheelchair interaction for the head-foot steering system. Additionally, the data logger provides an interface to multiple Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) placed on the body of the wheelchair user. The system provides accurate and real-time information from head-foot navigation system pressure sensors on the wheelchair during driving. This system was used as a tool to obtain further insights into wheelchair control and steering behavior of people diagnosed with DCP in comparison with a healthy subject.

Malnutrition is common in children with cerebral palsy in Saudi Arabia - a cross-sectional clinical observational study.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral palsy (CP) is considered as the main cause of severe physical impairment and malnutrition in children. This cross-sectional study intended to survey the nutritional status of children cerebral palsy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: We examined 74 children (age: 1-10 yrs) with CP, who attended Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City (SBAHC), Riyadh Saudi Arabia. Data on age, general demographics, nutritional status, and dietary intake were collected. A child was considered underweight, wasted, stunted or thin if the standard deviation scores for his/her weight for age, weight for height, height for age and body mass index for age were ≤ -2.0 standard deviation (SD) using WHO growth standards. Multivariable logistic regression identified the factors associated with nutritional indicators. RESULTS: More than half (56.4%) of the children with cerebral palsy were malnourished as they had z-score below <-2 SD in at least one of the four indicators. Thinness (50%) was the most common form of malnutrition, followed by underweight, stunting, and wasting. Arm anthropometrics gave similar results on the percent number of malnourished children. Factors that were independently associated with malnutrition with an adjusted OR (aOR) were as follow: age ≤ 5 yrs. (aOR: 4.29); presence of cognitive impairment (aOR: 4.13); presence of anemia (aOR: 3.41) and inadequate energy intake (aOR: 4.86) (p, for all trends <0.05). CONCLUSION: Children with cerebral palsy of the current study have impaired growth and nutritional status as assessed by all four common nutritional status indicators. Further large-scale community-based studies for in-depth evaluation of nutritional status and growth patterns in children with CP are needed.

Effect of simultaneous proprioceptive-visual feedback on gait of children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of simultaneous proprioceptive - visual training on gait parameters in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. METHOD: Gait parameters of 30 spastic diplegic children (age range 4-6 years) were evaluated before and after treatment by Tekscan's Walkway Pressure system. They were randomly and equally assigned into two groups (study and control). All children received regular therapeutic exercise program for one hour. In control group walked for 30 minutes without feedback, while those in study group walked for 30 minutes with proprioceptive-visual feedback. Duration of treatment was 3 times/week for 8 successive weeks. RESULTS: There were significant differences after treatment in spatial parameters and temporal parameters of both groups with more improvement in study group than control one, and insignificant difference in kinetic gait parameters. CONCLUSION: The simultaneous proprioceptive - visual training might improve spatial and temporal gait parameters with no effect on kinetic gait parameters of children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.

Plyometric exercises: subsequent changes of weight-bearing symmetry, muscle strength and walking performance in children with unilateral cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the subsequent effects of plyometric training on weight-bearing symmetry, muscle strength, and gait performance in children with unilateral cerebral palsy. METHODS: Thirty-nine children with spastic hemiplegia (age 8-12 years) were randomly divided into either the PLYO group (n=19, received a 30-minute plyometric exercise program plus the traditional physical rehabilitation, twice/week for eight consecutive weeks) or Non-PLYO group (n=20, received the traditional physical rehabilitation only). The weight-bearing symmetry index (WB-SI), maximum isometric muscle strength (MIMS) of quadriceps and hamstring muscles, and spatial-temporal gait parameters were assessed pre and post-intervention. RESULTS: From pre- to post-intervention, changes of WB-SI among PLYO and Non-PLYO groups did not differ significantly (P=.81; hindfoot and P=.23; forefoot). MIMS of quadriceps and hamstring muscles at 90° knee flexion (P=.008 and .013 respectively) increased significantly in PLYO compared to Non-PLYO group. Walking speed (P=.033), stride length (P=.002), and step time (P<.001) improved markedly in PLYO group more than in Non-PLYO group. The proportion of single leg support (P=.14) among PLYO and Non-PLYO groups did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: Addition of plyometric exercises to the physical rehabilitation programs of children with unilateral CP could achieve greater improvement in muscles strength and walking performance, but not in WB-SI.

[Protocol for the etiological investigation of cerebral palsy]. / Protocolo para la investigación etiológica de la parálisis cerebral.

TITLE: Protocolo para la investigación etiológica de la parálisis cerebral.

Protocolo para la investigación etiológica de la parálisis cerebral / Protocol for the etiological investigation of cerebral palsy

No disponible

Effect of task-oriented training on balance and motor function of ambulant children with cerebral palsy / Efecto de la formación orientada al cumplimiento de tareas de equilibrio y función motora de niños con parálisis cerebral capaces de caminar

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The study evaluated the effect of task-oriented training (TOT) on the motor function (MF) and balance of ambulant children with cerebral palsy (CP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 46 children were randomised into TOT group (n=23) and Control Group (CG [n=23]), but 39 children complete the study. Balance and MF were assessed at baseline, 6th and 12th weeks and 6 weeks post-intervention. Data were analysed with repeated measures ANOVA, Friedman's, Mann-Whitney U, Student's-t and post hoc tests at alfa≤0.05. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable in all baseline scores (P>0.05). At the 6th week, significant between-group difference was observed in MF only [TOT=81.9 (18.5); CG=72.8 (19.4)] (P<0.05). There were significant between-group differences in MF [TOT=88.8 (9.4); CG=75.5 (18.5); P<0.05] and balance (TOT=9.4+/-4.5; CG=13.6+/-6.9; P<0.05) at the 12th week (P<0.05) and 6 weeks post-intervention (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: TOT improved the balance and MF of ambulant children with CP

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: El estudio evaluó el efecto de la formación orientada al cumplimiento de tareas (TOT) de la función motora (FM) y del equilibrio de los niños con parálisis cerebral (PC) capaces de caminar. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Un total de 46 niños fueron distribuidos al azar entre el grupo TOT (n=23) y el grupo de control (GC [n=23]), pero solo 39 niños finalizaron el estudio. El equilibrio y la FM se evaluaron al inicio del estudio, en las semanas 6 y 12 y 6 semanas después de la intervención. Los datos se analizaron con medidas repetidas ANOVA, Friedman, la U de Mann-Whitney, la t de Student y pruebas post hoc a alfa≤0,05. RESULTADOS: Los 2 grupos fueron comparables en todas las puntuaciones iniciales (p > 0,05). En la sexta semana se observó una diferencia considerable entre los grupos de la FM sola (TOT=81,9 [18,5]; GC=72,8 [19,4]) (p < 0,05). Hubo diferencias considerables entre los grupos de la FM (TOT=88,8 [9,4]; GC=75,5 [18,5]; p < 0,05) y equilibrio (TOT=9,4+/-4,5; GC=13,6+/-6,9; p < 0,05) a las 12 semanas (p < 0,05) y 6 semanas después de la intervención (p < 0,05). CONCLUSIÓN: La formación TOT mejoró el equilibrio y la FM de los niños con PC capaces de caminar

Rede de apoio social da família para o cuidado da criança com paralisia cerebral / Social support network of the family for the care of children with cerebral palsy / Red de apoyo social de la familia para el cuidado del niño con parálisis cerebral

Objetivo: analisar a rede de apoio social utilizada pela família para cuidar a criança com paralisia cerebral. Método: pesquisa qualitativa, descritiva, realizada com 12 mães de crianças com paralisia cerebral atendidas em unidade de pediatria do Hospital Universitário de Rio Grande. Os dados foram coletados nos meses de agosto e setembro de 2018, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada, e submetidos à análise temática. Resultados: identificou-se a rede de apoio social formada pelos familiares, amigos, vizinhos, profissionais de saúde e ancorada pela fé em Deus. As mães foram protagonistas do cuidado e algumas não receberam nenhum tipo de apoio para os cuidados dos filhos. Conclusão: a rede de apoio social contribuiu para a superação de dificuldades da família e para o cuidado da criança, sendo fonte de apoio emocional, financeiro, ajuda com o transporte, remédios e orientação dos profissionais de saúde/enfermagem.

Objective: to know the social support network used by the family to care for children with cerebral palsy. Method: this qualitative and descriptive research was conducted with twelve mothers of children with cerebral palsy assisted at a pediatric unit of a University Hospital in Rio Grande. Data were collected in August and September 2018 through semi-structured interviews and submitted to thematic analysis. Results: we identified the social support network consisting of family, friends, neighbors, health professionals, and faith in God. Mothers were protagonists of care and some received no support for childcare. Conclusion: the social support network contributed to overcome family difficulties and childcare, being a source of emotional, financial support, help with transportation, medicine, and guidance from health/nursing professionals.

Objetivo: conocer la red de apoyo social utilizada por la familia para cuidar a niños con parálisis cerebral. Método: investigación cualitativa, descriptiva, realizada con doce madres de niños con parálisis cerebral atendidas en una unidad de pediatría de un Hospital Universitario de Río Grande. Los datos se recopilaron en agosto y septiembre de 2018 a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas y se sometieron a análisis temáticos. Resultados: identificamos que la red de apoyo social estaba formada por familiares, amigos, vecinos, profesionales de la salud y fe en Dios. Las madres fueron protagonistas de la atención y algunas no recibieron apoyo para el cuidado de los niños. Conclusión: la red de apoyo social contribuyó a superar las dificultades familiares y el cuidado de los niños, siendo una fuente de apoyo emocional y financiero, ayuda con el transporte, medicamentos y orientación de profesionales de la salud/enfermeros.

Gait disorders in patients with instrumented neuromuscular scoliosis / Distúrbios da marcha em pacientes com escoliose neuromuscular instrumentada / Disturbios de la marcha en pacientes con escoliosis neuromuscular instrumentada

ABSTRACT Introduction: The effect of spinal fusion on gait in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis continues to be a controversial issue, especially in patients where the spinal fusion extends to the pelvis. Objective: To evaluate the effect of spinal instrumentation in these patients. Methods: We evaluated 34 patients in a retrospective study. The mean age at surgery was 14±3 years and only ambulatory patients who presented neuromuscular scoliosis and non-progressing neurogenic pathology were included. The patients were surgically treated by posterior spinal fusion with or without extension to the pelvis. Preoperative (PRE) and postoperative (POP) Rx were measured. Ambulatory potential was clinically examined in all the patients, and 10 patients were assessed by full-gait analysis. Results: The minimum POP follow-up was 2 years (2006-2016). Nine patients were instrumented to the pelvis when the obliquity was greater than 15°; the remaining patients were treated using the same fusion-level criteria as those applied for idiopathic scoliosis. All patients maintained their gait, with improvements in coronal and sagittal balance, transfers and sitting skills, physical appearance, and in some cases, gait speed. Conclusions: Spinal instrumentation in ambulatory patients with neuromuscular scoliosis, including procedures with extension to the pelvis, provides adequate correction and preserves ambulatory function. Level of evidence III; Retrospective case control study.

RESUMO Introdução: O impacto da fusão de coluna vertebral sobre a marcha de pacientes com escoliose neuromuscular continua sendo uma questão controversa, especialmente, em pacientes nos quais a fusão espinhal se estende até a pelve. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da instrumentação espinhal nesses pacientes. Métodos: Avaliamos 34 pacientes em estudo retrospectivo, com média de idade de 14±3 anos à cirurgia; somente pacientes deambulatórios com escoliose neuromuscular e patologia neurogênica não progressiva foram incluídos. Os pacientes foram tratados cirurgicamente com fusão posterior da coluna com ou sem extensão até a pelve. Foram feitas radiografias pré-operatórias (PRE) e pós-operatórias (POP). O potencial deambulatório foi clinicamente examinado em todos os pacientes e 10 pacientes foram avaliados com análise completa em laboratório de marcha. Resultados: O acompanhamento mínimo do POP foi de 2 anos (2006-2016). Em nove pacientes foi realizada a instrumentação até a pelve quando a obliquidade era maior que 15°; os demais pacientes foram tratados pelos mesmos critérios de nível de fusão aplicados à escoliose idiopática. Todos os pacientes mantiveram a marcha, com melhoras do balanço coronal e sagital, e transferências e capacidade para sentar, aparência física e, em alguns casos, na velocidade da marcha. Conclusões: A instrumentação da coluna vertebral em pacientes deambulatórios com escoliose neuromuscular, incluindo procedimentos com extensão até a pelve, proporciona correção adequada e preserva a função deambulatória. Nível de evidência III; Estudo retrospectivo de caso-controle.

RESUMEN Introducción: El impacto de la fusión de columna vertebral sobre la marcha de pacientes con escoliosis neuromuscular continúa siendo una cuestión controversia, especialmente, en pacientes en los que la fusión espinal se extiende hasta la pelvis. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la instrumentación espinal en esos pacientes. Métodos: Evaluamos 34 pacientes en estudio retrospectivo, con promedio de edad de 14±3 años en el momento de la cirugía; fueron incluidos solamente pacientes ambulatorios con escoliosis neuromuscular y patología neurogénica no progresiva. Los pacientes fueron tratados quirúrgicamente con fusión posterior de la columna con o sin extensión hasta la pelvis. Fueron hechas radiografías preoperatorias (PRE) y postoperatorias (POP). El potencial ambulatorio fue clínicamente examinado en todos los pacientes y 10 pacientes fueron evaluados con análisis completo en laboratorio de marcha. Resultados: El acompañamiento mínimo del POP fue de 10 años (2006-2016). En nueve pacientes fue realizada la instrumentación hasta la pelvis cuando la oblicuidad era mayor que 15°; los demás pacientes fueron tratados por los mismos criterios de nivel de fusión aplicados a la escoliosis idiopática. Todos los pacientes mantuvieron la marcha, con mejoras del balance coronal y sagital, y transferencias y capacidad para sentarse, apariencia física y, en algunos casos, en la velocidad de la marcha. Conclusiones: La instrumentación de la columna vertebral en pacientes ambulatorios con escoliosis neuromuscular, incluyendo procedimientos con extensión hasta la pelvis, proporciona corrección adecuada y preserva la función ambulatoria. Nivel de evidencia III; Estudio retrospectivo de caso-controle.

Evaluación del seguimiento radiográfico para desplazamiento de cadera en pacientes con parálisis cerebral en el Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell / Assessment of X-ray follow-up for hip displacement in patients with cerebral palsy at the Pereira Rossell Hospital / Avaliação do seguimento radiográfico para deslocamento de quadril em pacientescom paralisia cerebral no Hospital Pereira Rossell

Introducción: la luxación de cadera es una complicación severa en pacientes con parálisis cerebral (PC), sobre todo en pacientes incluidos en el sistema de clasificación de la función motora gruesa (GMFCS, por su sigla en inglés) III-V. Para su identificación son necesarias radiografías de pelvis. Objetivos: evaluar el seguimiento radiográfico en estos pacientes y la detección precoz de esta complicación en nuestro hospital. Material y método: se revisaron historias clínicas y radiografías de 17 pacientes GMFCS III-V, entre 2 y 8 años de edad al momento de la radiografía de pelvis índice, midiendo el porcentaje de migración (PM) de cadera de acuerdo al índice de Reimer, el ángulo cérvico-diafisiario y calculando el CPUP Score de cada cadera. Evaluamos el control radiográfico al año o posteriormente a esa fecha, y de no haber sido así, se citaría a los pacientes a control radiológico para detectar las caderas con riesgo migratorio elevado. Resultados: de los 17 pacientes evaluados, 3 (18%) tuvieron una nueva radiografía de pelvis al año; 6 (35%) pacientes la tuvieron posteriormente al año, y antes de la fecha de control designada, 7 (41%) pacientes nunca fueron controlados, citándose para nueva radiografía en 2018. Un paciente (6%) se perdió en el seguimiento. Un paciente presentó una cadera con riesgo alto (CPUP Score 50%-60%), el resto tuvo PM dentro de rangos normales. Conclusiones: pocos pacientes con PC GMFCS III-V tuvieron un seguimiento radiográfico anual. Los monitoreados posteriormente no mostraron progresión de esta condición. El resultado de este estudio y la literatura respaldan la introducción de un programa de vigilancia en nuestro hospital.

Introduction: hip luxation is a severe complication in patients with cerebral palsy (CP), especially in gross motor functional classification system (GMFCS) III-V patients. Pelvic x-rays are necessary to identify this condition. Objectives: to assess the x-ray follow-up in these patients and the early detection of this complication in our hospital. Method: the medical records and x-rays of 17 GMFCS III-V patients who were between 2 and 8 years old at the time of index pelvic x-ray were reviewed, measurement of the hip migration percentage according to Reimer´s index, the cervical-diaphyseal angle and calculation of the CPUP hip score for each hip. We assessed the follow-up x-ray a year later or later than that date, and in the even this had not happened, we would call the patients in for a control x-ray to identify the hips with an increase migration risk. Results: 3 (18%) out of 17 patients assessed underwent a new pelvic x-ray a year later. 6 patients (35%) underwent one later than one year after and prior to the control visit planned, 7 (41%) patients were never controlled and they were called for a new x-ray in 2018. One patient (6%) was lost during follow-up. One patient had an increased risk hip (CPUP Score 50-60%), the rest had normal migration percentages. Conclusions: few patients with PC GMFCS III-V underwent annual follow-up. Those monitored did not evidence progression of this condition. This study and the relevant literature back up the introduction of a surveillance program in our hospital.

Introdução: a luxação de quadril é uma complicação grave nos pacientes com paralisia cerebral (PC), principalmente nos pacientes "Gross motor funcional classificativo system (GMFCS) III-V". Para sua identificação é necessário realizar radiografias de pélvis. Objetivos: avaliar o seguimento radiográfico nesses pacientes e realizar a detecção precoce desta complicação no hospital. Material e método: foram estudados os prontuários e radiografias de 17 pacientes GMFCS III-V, com idades entre 2 e 8 anos no momento da radiografia de pélvis índice, medindo a porcentagem de migração (PM) de quadril de acordo com o índice de Reimer, o ângulo cervico-diafisiario e calculando o CPUP Score de cada quadril. Foi feito o controle radiográfico um ano ou mais depois da data da realização da radiografia; quando não foi possível os pacientes foram convocados para a realização de controle radiológico para detectar os quadris com risco migratório elevado. Resultados: dos 17 pacientes avaliados, 3 (18%) realizaram uma nova radiografia de pélvis um ano depois da primeira, 6 (35%) pacientes depois de um ano mas antes de ser convocados para controle, 7 (41%) pacientes nunca foram controlados, sendo convocados para uma nova radiografia em 2018. Um paciente (6%) foi perdido. Um paciente apresentou um quadril com risco alto (CPUP Score 50-60%), os demais tinham PM dentro de intervalos normais. Conclusões: poucos pacientes com PC GMFCS III-V tiveram um seguimento radiográfico anual. Os que foram monitorados posteriormente não mostraram progressão desta condição. O resultado deste estudo e a literatura respaldam a introdução de um programa de vigilância no nosso hospital.

Validação do Illinois Test Modificado para atletas de futebol de sete paralímpico / Validation Illinois Changed Test for paralympic athletes of football seven

O Futebol de sete Paralímpico é um dos principais esportes praticados por atletas com Paralisia Cerebral na atualidade. Seus benefícios variam da melhora da percepção pessoal à melhoria das condições físicas, sociais, psicológicas, motoras e as respostas fisiológicas. Entretanto, poucos são os testes que possam subsidiar a modalidade e a população no que se diz respeito a aptidão e capacidades físicas. O estudo teve por objetivo validar o teste de agilidade Illinois para atletas da modalidade de futebol de 7 paralímpico. A população foi composta por 16 atletas da seleção brasileira de futebol de 7 paralímpica, com idade entre 20 a 38 anos. A captação dos dados foi realizada por 3 avaliadores que utilizaram o Illinois Test modificado como principal ferramenta. Foram realizadas duas avaliações (testereteste) com 48 hs de intervalo com todos os atletas e avaliadores. Após as análises, foi possível observar que os atletas nos dois dias obtiveram resultados semelhantes, (média geral de todos os atletas incluindo teste-reteste) apresentando o tempo de 10,65 segundos. O melhor tempo foi de 9,62 e pior resultado foi de 14,30 segundos, demostrando assim o potencial de agilidade de toda a equipe. Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os 3 avaliadores, o que demonstra alto nível de confiabilidade e replicabilidade do teste. O Illinois modificado para o futebol de 7 paralímpico pode ser usado como uma ferramenta de fácil aplicação, com objetivo de mensurar escores de agilidade de uma equipe, bem como ser usado para futuras comparações em modalidades semelhantes com outras pesquisas...(AU)

The Seven Paralympic Football is one of the main sports practiced by athletes with Cerebral Palsy nowadays. Its benefits range from improving personal perception to improving physical, social, psychological, motor and and physiological responses. However, few are the tests that can subsidize the modality and the population with respect to the aptitude and physical capacities. The study aimed to validate the Illinois Agility Test for athletes of the Football Seven a Side sport. The group of athletes was composed by 16 athletes of the Brazilian Football Seven a Side team, aged between 20 and 38 years. Three evaluators used the modified Illinois test as the main tool performed data collection. Two evaluations were performed (test-retest) with 48 hours intervals with all athletes and evaluators. After the analysis, it was possible to observe that the athletes, in two days obtained similar results, overall mean of all athletes including test-retest presenting the time of 10.65 seconds. The best time was 9.62 seconds and worst result was 14.30 seconds, thus demonstrating the agility potential of the whole team. There were no statistically significant differences among the 3 evaluators, which demonstrated a high level of reliability and use of the test. The modified Illinois test for Football Seven a Side can be used as an easy-to-apply tool with the goal of measuring a team's agility scores as well as being used for future comparisons in similar modalities with other surveys...(AU)

The relationship between coping styles and depression among caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in Nigeria, West Africa

Abstract Background Caring for a child with cerebral palsy (CP) is an arduous task and the over-reliance on specific coping strategies may predispose caregivers to depression. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the different types of coping strategies and presence of depression in caregivers of children with CP. Methods One hundred and thirty two participants were recruited into the study. Their coping styles were measured using the Brief COPE inventory while depression was assessed with Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Results The prevalence of current depressive episodes among the participants was 20.5%. Depression had a strong negative correlation with active coping (r = -0.415), planning (r = -0.432), and positive reframing (r = -0.594), and a weak negative correlation with humor (r = -0.239). But a strong positive correlation with use of instrumental support (r = 0.421) and self-blame (r = 0.448), and a moderate positive correlation with denial (r = 0.313), and behavioral disengagement (r = 0.308). Both emotion-focused (r = -0.361) and problem-focused (r = -0.576) coping style had a strong negative correlation with depression. While dysfunctional coping style had a strong positive correlation with depression (r = 0.489). Discussion Emotional and problem focused coping style were found to more protective against depression than dysfunctional coping styles among care givers of children with CP.

Motor Function Improvement in Children with Ataxia Receiving Interval Rehabilitation, Including Vibration-Assisted Hometraining: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Physiotherapy, including vibration-assisted therapy, has been proven to be effective for patients with ataxic cerebral palsy. Herewith, we studied the effect of a functional, goal-oriented interval rehabilitation program, including vibration-assisted home-training on the motor function of children with congenital ataxias. PATIENTS: 45 children (mean age 7.7 years, SD 4.70) with ataxia, having received a 6-month home-based side-alternating vibration-assisted therapy combined with intensive, goal-oriented, functional rehabilitation intervals, were included in the study, classified according to the progressive or non-progressive ataxia character. METHOD: Retrospective analysis of the prospectively collected data of the registry of the Cologne rehabilitation program "Auf die Beine". Motor abilities have been assessed prior to the intervention (M0), after 6 months of home-training (M6) as well as in a follow-up 6 months later (M12). We performed a gait analysis, a 1-minute walking test (1-MWT), and the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66). RESULTS: The GMFM-66 improvement (M6-M0 vs. M12-M6) was statistically significant with median improvement of 2.4 points (non-progressive) and 2.9 points (progressive) respectively, and clinically relevant. The 1-MWT improvement was statistically significant and clinically relevant for non-progressive ataxia. CONCLUSION: The intensive training, including vibration-assisted therapy significantly improved the motor function of children with ataxia. Six months later the skills were preserved in children with progressive ataxia and could be further developed in non-progressive forms.

Can muscle vibration be the future in the treatment of cerebral palsy-related drooling? A feasibility study.

Background: Drooling is an involuntary loss of saliva from the mouth, and it is a common problem for children with cerebral palsy (CP). The treatment may be pharmacological, surgical, or speech-related. Repeated Muscle Vibration (rMV) is a proprioceptive impulse that activates fibers Ia reaching the somatosensory and motor cortex. Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of rMV in the treatment of drooling in CP. Design, setting and population: This was a rater blinded prospective feasibility study, performed at the "Gli Angeli di Padre Pio" Foundation, Rehabilitation Centers (Foggia, Italy), involving twenty-two CP patients affected by drooling (aged 5-15, mean 9,28 ± 3,62). Children were evaluated at baseline (T0), 10 days (T1), 1 month (T2) and 3 months (T3) after the treatment. Methods: The degree and impact of drooling was assessed by using the Drooling Impact Scale (DIS), the Drooling Frequency and Severity Scale (DFSS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Drooling Quotient (DQ). An rMV stimulus under the chin symphysis was applied with a 30 min protocol for 3 consecutive days. Results: The statistical analysis shows that DIS, DFSS, VAS, DQ improved with significant differences in the multiple comparisons between T1 vs T2, T1 vs T3 and T1 vs T4 (p≤0.001). Conclusion This study demonstrates that rMV might be a safe and effective tool in reducing drooling in patients with CP. The vibrations can improve the swallowing mechanisms and favor the acquisition of the maturity of the oral motor control in children with CP.

Botulinum Toxin Injection in Children with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy: Correction of Growth through Comparison of Treated and Unaffected Limbs.

Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injections in children with cerebral palsy (CP) may negatively affect muscle growth and strength. We injected BoNT-A into the affected limbs of 14 children (4.57 ± 2.28 years) with hemiplegic CP and exhibiting tip-toeing gait on the affected side and investigated the morphological alterations in the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle (GCM). We assessed thickness of the GCM, fascicle length, and fascicle angle on the affected and unaffected sides at baseline at 4 and 12 weeks after BoNT-A injections. The primary outcome measure was the change (percentage) in GCM thickness in the affected side treated with BoNT-A in comparison with the unaffected side. The percentage of treated GCM thickness became significantly thinner at 4 and 12 weeks after BoNT-A injection than baseline. However, the percentage of fascicle length and angle in treated limbs showed no significant change from baseline 4 and 12 weeks after the injection. BoNT-A injections might reduce muscle thickness in children with spastic hemiplegic CP. Fascicle length and angle might not be affected by BoNT-A injections after correction of normal growth of the children.

Femoral and pelvic osteotomies for severe hip displacement in nonambulatory children with cerebral palsy: a prospective population-based study of 31 patients with 7 years' follow-up.

Background and purpose - There is no consensus regarding the optimal treatment of hip displacement in children with cerebral palsy (CP). This prospective study assessed the outcome of femoral and pelvic osteotomies for severe hip displacement in nonambulatory children and analyzed prognostic factors for outcome.Patients and methods - 31 nonambulatory children (20 boys), recruited from a population-based screening program, consecutively underwent unilateral (23) or bilateral (8) osteotomies and bilateral soft-tissue releases at a mean age of 6.1 years (2.2-9.9). The procedures were femoral varus osteotomy alone (20 hips) and combined Dega-type pelvic osteotomy and femoral osteotomy (19 hips). Final outcome was termed good if the patient had not undergone further bony surgery and migration percentage (MP) was < 50%. The mean follow-up time was 7.1 years (3.8-11).Results - The mean preoperative MP was 69% (36-100). The outcome was good in 22 patients (29 hips) and poor in 9 patients (10 hips). Mean time to failure was 3.6 years (1.0-6.0). GMFCS level V and high MP 1-year postoperatively were statistically significant risk factors for poor final outcome. There was a higher rate of good outcome after combined osteotomies compared with isolated femoral osteotomy, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.2).Interpretation - Better primary correction was obtained after combined femoral and pelvic osteotomies than after isolated femoral osteotomy, indicating that combined osteotomies are the preferred method in hips with the most severe degrees of displacement. Prophylactic femoral osteotomy of the contralateral non-subluxated hip is hardly indicated.