What are the barriers and facilitators to participation of people with Down syndrome? A scoping review.

AIM: To determine the barriers and facilitators of active community participation of children, adolescents, and adults with Down syndrome. METHOD: Searches were completed in five electronic databases to identify original studies about participation of children, adolescents (ages < 18 years), and adults (ages 18-59 years) with Down syndrome. Barriers and facilitators to participation were categorized into four factors: personal, social, environmental, and policy and programme. Findings were analysed and validated by a young adult with Down syndrome and a family member, using the public and patient involvement strategy. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included: eight with children and adolescents and six with adults. Of the 14 studies, 10 were qualitative and four quantitative. Most studies (n = 9) investigated participation in physical activities, while only a few examined participation in community/social activities (n = 3), daily activities (n = 2), and leisure activities (n = 1). The most commonly cited barriers and facilitators were the availability of programmes and specialized professionals, transportation, as well as attitudes and behaviours. Physical and psychological characteristics of people with Down syndrome and facilities were also frequently mentioned as barriers. On the other hand, the desire to stay active and personal interest in the activity were among the most frequently reported facilitators. INTERPRETATION: The participation of people with Down syndrome is mainly influenced by physical or psychological factors, the support and attitudes of parents/caregivers, and the availability of specialized programmes. Given the scarcity of research investigating the participation of people with Down syndrome in community activities, daily activities, and leisure, especially in adults, more studies are still needed.

F-words ingredients of non-invasive interventions for young ambulant children with cerebral palsy: A scoping review.

AIM: To map the ingredients of non-invasive interventions provided to young ambulant children with cerebral palsy. METHOD: Articles were screened and each study's characteristics extracted. The intervention ingredients were described in terms of the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System and linked to the 'F-words'. Results were interpreted and validated by a patient and public involvement group. RESULTS: Sixty-one papers were included, of which 55.5% were classified as randomized controlled trial design studies. The selected studies included a total of 2187 children (mean age range 3 months to 5 years 11 months), most from high-income countries. The included studies investigated a total of 27 interventions, which together presented ingredients representing all F-words, in the following order of frequency: 'fitness' (e.g. strength and endurance training), 'functioning' (e.g. active and repetitive practice of a task), 'family' (e.g. context-focused therapy), 'fun' (e.g. inclusion of child-friendly activities), 'friends' (e.g. group activities), and 'future' (e.g. didactic information sharing). Thus, ingredients related to the F-word 'future' were the most infrequently reported. INTERPRETATION: Therapists and families need to be aware of the most appropriate match between the F-word goals, ingredients, and targets. Finally, 'fun', 'friends', and 'future' should be addressed as potential outcomes in future studies.

Analysis of the Brazilian-Portuguese Content on Autism Spectrum Disorder Available on YouTube Videos.

AIMS: Information about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is available in different videos on YouTube. However, these videos might present inaccurate or outdated information. The aims of this study were to 1) identify characteristics of Brazilian-Portuguese videos about ASD (i.e., type of content, number of views, likes, and dislikes); 2) analyze the content of informative videos about ASD, by assessing their trustworthiness and overall quality; and 3) investigate the most popular topics of informative videos about ASD over time. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that investigated Brazilian-Portuguese ASD content on YouTube. Videos were selected by two examiners and categorized as experiential or informative. The Discern checklist and the Global Quality Score (GQS) were used to analyze the trustworthiness and quality of informative videos. RESULTS: In total, 216 videos were analyzed, of which 19.5% and 85% were classified as experiential and informative, respectively. The majority of informative videos presented moderate trustworthiness and quality. Videos about ASD clinical aspects were the most popular. CONCLUSION: YouTube offers a large number of experiential and informative videos on ASD. However, some of these videos fail to present reliable and additional sources of information for stakeholders. Efforts to promote knowledge translation about ASD on YouTube are necessary.

Efficacy of aerobic exercise on the functioning and quality of life of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of aerobic exercise on the functioning (participation, activities, and body functions and structures) and quality of life (QoL) of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). METHOD: A systematic review with meta-analysis was performed. A comprehensive search of articles was performed using the electronic databases Embase, PubMed, PEDro, and CINAHL. Methodological quality and certainty of evidence were evaluated with the PEDro and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) scales respectively. The effects of aerobic exercise on functioning were assessed using meta-analytic techniques. However, given the broad nature of outcomes related to functioning and QoL, different instruments can be used to measure them; this made it impossible to synthesize results in a meta-analysis for some of the outcomes. RESULTS: Fifteen randomized controlled trials with 414 participants with CP were included. Analysis of the methodological quality of the studies revealed a low risk of bias. The effect of aerobic exercise compared to usual care or other interventions was significant for aerobic capacity (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.16-1.47; p < 0.002; I2  = 68%), gross motor function (SMD = 0.70; 95% = CI 0.21-1.19; p = 0.005; I2  = 49%), mobility (SMD = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.05-1.05; p = 0.03; I2  = 27%), balance, and participation (SMD = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.10-1.39; p = 0.02; I2  = 0%). Aerobic exercise was not effective for muscle strength, spasticity, gait parameters, and QoL (p > 0.05). The certainty of evidence for most comparisons was moderate to low. INTERPRETATION: This review provides the most up-to-date evidence on the efficacy of aerobic exercise on the functioning and QoL of children and adolescents with CP. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Aerobic exercise improves gross motor function but not gait parameters in cerebral palsy (CP). It improves participation but not quality of life in children and adolescents with CP. It is more effective than usual care or other interventions in improving mobility, aerobic capacity, and balance in CP. It is no more effective than usual care or other interventions in improving muscle strength and spasticity.

Parents' perceptions of a modified sports intervention for children with cerebral palsy.

AIM: To explore the perceptions of parents of children with cerebral palsy (CP) participating in a modified sports intervention, Sports Stars Brazil. METHOD: Parents of children with CP (n = 15, 6-12 years old, nine males, six females), classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I and II, who participated in the Sports Stars Brazil intervention, were recruited for this descriptive qualitative study. Children received the 8-week (1 hour per week) modified sports intervention. After the intervention, parents participated in a focus group. The F-word (fitness, family, fun, functioning, friends, and future) interpretation of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health was used to guide the discussion. Participants were invited to report their experience of participating in the intervention using the F-words for a childhood disability model. Transcripts were coded using content analysis. RESULTS: Parents reported positive experiences of the Sports Stars Brazil intervention, including a decrease in sedentarism (fitness), improvement of motor skills (functioning), greater connection between child and family (family), better socialization (friends), increased participation in pleasurable activities (fun), and awareness of the importance of physical activity (future). All positive experiences were interconnected. INTERPRETATION: This study presents the ability of the Sports Stars Brazil intervention to integrate all aspects of functioning and supports its role as an engaging and promising intervention option for ambulant children with CP.

I Would Like to Do It Very Much! Leisure Participation Patterns and Determinants of Brazilian Children and Adolescents With Physical Disabilities.

PURPOSE: To describe the patterns, preferences, and predictors of participation in leisure activities of children and young people with physical disabilities from Brazil. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that included 50 children/young people with physical disabilities from the southeast of Brazil. The children were assessed using the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment and Preferences for Activities. RESULTS: Children/young people participated in an average of 38% of the activities, with a greater number and frequency of informal, recreational, social, and self-improvement activities. The average frequency of participation in the activities was twice in the previous 4 months. The enjoyment in the participated activities was high. There was a greater preference for recreational, social, and physical activities. Age and functional classification were predictors of participation. CONCLUSION: This study of children with disabilities from the southeast of Brazil supports studies in other low- and middle-income countries, demonstrating low diversity and intensity of participation in leisure activities, but with high levels of enjoyment.

Motor imagery in children with unilateral cerebral palsy: a case-control study.

AIM: To evaluate whether children with cerebral palsy (CP) are able to engage in a motor imagery task. Possible associations between motor imagery and functional performance, working memory, age, and intelligence were also investigated. METHOD: This is a case-control study that assessed 57 children (25 females, 32 males) with unilateral CP, aged 6 to 14 years (mean age: 10y 4mo; SD 2y 8mo) and 175 typically developing (control) children, aged 6 to 13 years (87 females, 88 males; mean age: 9y 4mo; SD 1y 11mo). The hand laterality judgment task was used to measure motor imagery ability. Reaction time, accuracy, and the effect of the biomechanical constraints were assessed in this task. RESULTS: Performance in both groups followed the biomechanical constraints of the task, that is, longer reaction times to recognize stimuli rotated laterally when compared to medial stimuli. Reaction time means did not differ significantly between groups (p>0.05). Significant differences between the unilateral CP and control groups were observed for accuracy (p<0.05). Functional performance and working memory were correlates of motor imagery tasks. INTERPRETATION: Results suggest that children with unilateral CP can engage in motor imagery; however, they commit more errors than typically developing controls. In addition, their performance in tasks of motor imagery is influenced by functional performance and working memory.

Eficácia do exercício aeróbico na funcionalidade e qualidade de vida de crianças e adolescentes com paralisia cerebral: Uma revisão sistemática e meta-análise.

OBJETIVO: Investigar a eficácia do exercício aeróbico na funcionalidade (participação, atividades e estruturas e funções corporais) e qualidade de vida (QV) de crianças e adolescentes com paralisia cerebral (PC). MÉTODO: Uma revisão sistemática com meta-análise foi realizada. Uma busca abrangente de artigos foi realizada usando os bancos de dados eletrônicos Embase, PubMed, PEDro e CINAHL. A qualidade metodológica e a certeza das evidências foram avaliadas com as escalas PEDro e Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE), respectivamente. Os efeitos do exercício aeróbico na funcionalidade foram avaliados usando técnicas meta-analíticas. No entanto, dada a natureza ampla dos resultados relacionados a funcionalidade e QV, diferentes instrumentos podem ser usados para mensurá-los; isso tornou impossível a síntese dos resultados em uma meta-análise para alguns dos desfechos. RESULTADOS: Quinze ensaios clínicos randomizados com 414 participantes com PC foram incluídos. A análise da qualidade metodológica dos estudos revelou um baixo risco de viés. O efeito do exercício aeróbico comparado aos cuidados habituais ou outras intervenções foi significativo para a capacidade aeróbica (diferença média padronizada [DMP] = 0,81; intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC] = 0,16-1,47; p < 0,002; I2  = 68%), função motora grossa (DMP = 0,70; 95% = IC 0,21-1,19; p = 0,005; I2  = 49%), mobilidade (DMP = 0.53; 95% IC = 0.05-1.05; p = 0.03; I2  = 27%), equilíbro, and participação (DMP = 0.74; 95% IC = 0.10-1.39; p = 0.02; I2  = 0%). O exercício aeróbico não foi eficaz para a força muscular, espasticidade, parâmetros de marcha e QV (p > 0,05). A certeza da evidência para a maioria das comparações foi de moderada a baixa. INTERPRETAÇÃO: Esta revisão fornece as evidências mais atualizadas sobre a eficácia do exercício aeróbico na funcionalidade e na qualidade de vida de crianças e adolescentes com PC.

Percepções dos pais sobre uma intervenção de esportes modificados para crianças com paralisia cerebral.

OBJETIVO: Explorar as percepções dos pais de crianças com paralisia cerebral (PC) sobre uma intervenção de esportes modificados, intitulada Sports Stars Brasil. MÉTODOS: Pais de crianças (n = 15, com idades de 6 a 12 anos) com PC, classificadas nos níveis I e II do GMFCS, que participaram do Sports Stars Brasil, foram recrutados para este estudo qualitativo descritivo. As crianças receberam uma intervenção de esportes modificados de oito semanas (1 hora por semana). Após a intervenção, os pais participaram de um grupo focal. A interpretação das "minhas palavras favoritas" (saúde, família, diversão, funcionalidade, amigos e futuro) da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde foi usada para orientar a os grupos focais. As transcrições foram codificadas usando a metodologia de análise de conteúdo. RESULTADOS: Os pais relataram experiências positivas com o Sports Stars Brasil, incluindo a redução do sedentarismo ("Saúde"), melhora das habilidades motoras ("Funcionalidade"), maior conexão entre a criança e a família ("Família"), melhor socialização ("Amigos"), aumento na participação em atividades prazerosas ("Diversão") e conscientização sobre a importância da atividade física ("Futuro"). Todas as experiências positivas estavam interconectadas. INTERPRETAÇÃO: A capacidade do Sports Stars de integrar todos os aspectos do funcionalidade apoia seu papel como uma opção de intervenção promissora para crianças com PC deambulantes.

Social vulnerability among Brazilian children in early childhood: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: To identify, map, and describe studies involving Brazilian children in early childhood in situations of social vulnerability. SOURCE OF DATA: A scoping review including full articles published in Portuguese and English up to March 2023, with no temporal restrictions. Searches were conducted in the MEDLINE/PubMed, Scielo, EMBASE, Cochrane, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, PEDro, and LILACS databases. Journal metrics, sample characteristics, study area, characterization of the situation of social vulnerability, and study outcomes were extracted. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: Seventy-six articles involving a total of 107.740 children in early childhood were included in this study. These studies presented relevant findings, including the temporal publication trend, the variability of social vulnerability indicators, the scarcity of intervention studies, and the fact that 100% of eligible studies were from the health area. Negative outcomes were associated with the condition of social vulnerability in almost the entire sample, reinforcing the need for government policies capable of protecting early childhood from the effects of social vulnerability. CONCLUSION: This scoping review mapped important findings involving Brazilian children in social vulnerability. It also identified literature gaps such as the need for intervention and multisectoral studies among health, education, and social protection.

Translation, reliability, and validity of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the Early Activity Scale for Endurance (EASE).

PURPOSE: Translate, investigate reliability, and construct validity of the Brazilian Early Activity Scale for Endurance (EASE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Translation followed the international guidelines. Test-retest reliability was tested by 100 parents of children with cerebral palsy (CP): 18 months-5 years and 6-11 years. To determine construct validity, 94 parents of typically children completed the EASE. Statistical analysis included Bland-Altman, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Internal Consistency, and Floor and Ceiling Effect. RESULTS: The majority of the sample consisted of children with CP in GMFCS (IV-V). EASE showed good test-retest reliability for younger (ICC = 0.8) and excellent test-retest reliability for older children with CP (ICC = 0.9), and good internal consistency of 0.7 and 0.8 for the young and older group, respectively. Bland-Altman showed the bias close to zero, with no ceiling or floor effect. Regarding construct validity, younger children showed lower scores when compared to the older children. Endurance differed significantly between children with CP who were walking and those who were not walking and also for age groups. Children with CP showed lower endurance compared to typically participants in the same age group. CONCLUSIONS: Brazilian EASE is reliable and valid to estimate endurance in children with CP. Results provide evidence of construct validity.

Endurance to physical activity is an important construct to be evaluated and that directly interferes with the health and quality of life of children with Cerebral Palsy (CP).The Brazilian-Portuguese version of the 4-item Early Activity Scale for Endurance (EASE) is a valid and reliable scale to assess endurance to physical activity in children with CP.

Theoretical-Methodological Foundations for the Global Integration Method (Método de Integração Global-MIG) in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Currently, there is no intervention model for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that addresses all levels and factors of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF, WHO). The most researched programs focus on naturalistic, developmental and behavioral approaches to socio-communication. Less attention has been paid to motor and environmental reactivity aspects (behavior/interest restriction and sensory reactivity). The evidence rationale for the Global Integration Method (MIG, "Método de Integração Global"), a model addressing sensorimotor reactivity in addition to socio-communication, is presented. MIG is an integrative, interdisciplinary, family-oriented intervention and naturalistic program that addresses all levels and moderating factors of ASD's impact. MIG's theoretical rationale is based on the predictive coding impairment and embodied cognition hypotheses. MIG incorporates both bottom-up (flexible therapeutic suit, social-motor synchronization) and top-down (schematic social information processing, narratives, imagery) strategies to promote the building and use of accurate, flexible and context-sensitive internal predictive models. MIG is based on the premises that predictive coding improves both socio-communication and environmental reactivity, and that the postural stabilization provided by the flexible therapeutic suit frees information processing resources for socio-cognitive learning. MIG builds on interdisciplinary, professionally and parentally mediated work based on behavioral principles of intensive training in a situated environment.

Characterization of environmental factors in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy in Minas Gerais: Participa Minas.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the environmental factors of children and adolescents with Cerebral Palsy (CP) in the state of Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving 164 caregivers of children/adolescents with CP, aged 1-14 years. The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) were used to classify the participants' functioning, and environmental factors were evaluated by an on-line questionnaire that examined products and technologies, physical environment, services, and systems. A descriptive analysis was performed using percentage and frequency. RESULTS: Most participants had bilateral CP (66.9%) and 45% of them were spastic. Levels II and V of the GMFCS and MACS were the most frequent. About half (49.4%) used anticonvulsants, 27.4% underwent botulinum toxin application, and 29% went through orthopedic surgery in the lower limbs. Among the participants, 71.3% used orthoses in the lower limbs, and 51.8% used the public health care system. Most had access to physiotherapy (91.5%), but found difficulties to access interventions with other professionals, such as psychologists (28%) and nutritionists (37.8%). The school was the most frequently adapted environment (78%), and had the highest level of structural adaptation (42.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the barriers to access health services and barriers to the physical environment may impact participation and social inclusion.

Effectiveness of Physical Therapy Interventions in Children with Brachial Plexus Birth Injury: A Systematic Review.

AIM: To systematically review the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions in infants, children and adolescents with brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI). METHODS: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials including patients under 18 years old with BPBI was conducted on Medline, Cochrane, Embase, Amed and Pedro databases. Methodological quality was assessed by the PEDro score and quality of evidence by the GRADE system. The primary outcomes measured were range of motion, muscle strength and bone mineral density. RESULTS: Seven studies were included, two in infant and 5 in children, of 932 title and abstracts screened. The interventions, characteristics of the participants and outcomes were diverse. The largest effect was found when other intervention was combined with conventional physical therapy in the primary outcomes, with low quality of evidence. CONCLUSION: Physical therapy interventions alone or in combination with other treatment modalities are effective in improving short-term disabilities in children with BPBI.

Moving together is better: a systematic review with meta-analysis of sports-focused interventions aiming to improve physical activity participation in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy.

PURPOSE: To analyze the effectiveness of sports-focused interventions on the participation of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: Study searches were conducted on EMBASE, PubMed, Scielo, PEDro, CINAHL, SPORTDiscuss in June 2022. We included randomized controlled trials that investigated the effectiveness of sports-focused interventions in children and adolescents with CP in comparison with control. Risk of bias was assessed with PEDro scale and evidence certainty with GRADE approach. Data were pooled in random-effects meta-analyses and results were presented as standardized mean differences. RESULTS: Ten RCTs were selected with different modalities, mostly for ambulant children and adolescents. Significant pooled effects on participation in leisure-time physical activity were seen only in group interventions (modified sports, gross motor training, and fitness training), in comparison with control [SMD(95% CI) = 0.32(0.01-0.73) p = 0.04]. No pooled effects were seen in participation in other life areas in comparison with control (p > 0.05). Current certainty of evidence of all sports-focused interventions included was moderate due to imprecision. CONCLUSION: Positive results on leisure-time participation were seen at short-term follow-up for group interventions. Sports-focused interventions did not improve participation in other life areas, reinforcing the importance of specificity when conducting participation interventions. Studies investigating sports-focused interventions including non-ambulatory individuals are still necessary. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONSports-focused interventions target leisure-time physical activity participation.They present moderate evidence of their effectiveness to improve physical activity participation in individuals with cerebral palsy.Group interventions are effective in improving leisure-time physical activity participation.Sports-focused interventions did not improve participation in other life areas.

Practitioner-led, peer-group sports intervention combined with a context-focused intervention for children with cerebral palsy: a protocol of a feasibility randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: There is a need to investigate relevant, acceptable and feasible approaches that promote participation in leisure-time physical activity for children with cerebral palsy (CP). The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial comparing a peer-group intervention focused on improving physical literacy (Sports Stars) with the combination of Sports Stars and a context-focused intervention (Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation, PREP) for ambulant children with CP in Brazil. METHODS: In this feasibility trial, 18 ambulant children (aged 6-12 years) with CP will be randomised into two groups (nine per group): (1) Sports Stars and (2) Sports Stars plus PREP. The Sports Stars group will receive 8 weekly group sessions, focusing on developing the physical, social, cognitive and psychological skills required to participate in popular Brazilian sports. The combined Sports Stars and PREP group will receive Sports Stars in addition to eight individual PREP sessions focused on overcoming environmental barriers to participation. The primary outcome will include feasibility measures: willingness to participate in an RCT, eligibility and recruitment rates, maintenance of evaluator blinding, acceptability of screening procedures and random allocation, feasibility of evaluating outcomes, contamination between the groups, intervention adherence, treatment satisfaction, understanding of the intervention and implementation resources. Additional instruments will be applied to obtain data related to leisure-time physical activity participation goals, overall participation (home, school and community), physical literacy, level of physical activity and family empowerment. Outcomes will be assessed before, after and 12 weeks after intervention. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This feasibility trial has been approved by ethical Federal University of Minas Gerais' Ethics Review Committee (CAAE: 33238520.5.0000.5149). All potential subjects will provide written informed consent. The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and be presented at academic conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS: RBR-4m3b4b6, U1111-1256-4998.

Sports Stars Brazil in children with autism spectrum disorder: A feasibility randomized controlled trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) children have lower levels of participation in recreational and sporting activities when compared to their peers. Participation has been defined based on the Family of Participation-Related Constructs (fPRC) which defines participation as including both attendance and involvement, with sense of self, preferences and activity competence related to a child's participation. Modified sports interventions such as Sports Stars can act on physical literacy and some of the fPRCs components. This study aims to assess the feasibility of the Sports Stars Brazil intervention for children with ASD. METHODS: This study will be conducted with 36 participants with ASD aged 6 to 12 years old following the CONSORT for pilot and feasibility recommendation. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups. Intervention group will receive eight, weekly Sports Stars sessions. Each session will include of sports-focused gross motor activity training, confidence building, sports-education and teamwork development. Study assessments will occur at baseline, immediately post-intervention and 20-weeks post-randomization. First, we will assess process feasibility measures: recruitment, assessment completion, adherence, adverse events and satisfaction. Second, we will investigate the scientific feasibility of the intervention by estimating the effect size and variance at the level of achievement sports-related activity and physical activity participation goals (Goal Attainment Scaling), activity competence (Ignite Challenge, Test of Gross Motor Development-second edition, Physical Literacy Profile Questionnaire, Pediatric Disability Assessment Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test-PEDI-CAT-mobility, 10×5 Sprint Test and Muscle Power Sprint Test), sense of self (PEDI-CAT-responsibility), and overall participation at home, school and community, (Participation and Environment Measure for children and young people, PEM-CY). DISCUSSION: The results of this feasibility study will inform which components are critical to planning and preparing a future RCT study, aiming to ensure that the RCT will be feasible, rigorous and justifiable. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered with the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials database (ID: RBR-9d5kyq4) on June 15, 2022.

Body experience influences lexical-semantic knowledge of body parts in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Background: Disorders in different levels of body representation (i.e., body schema, body structural description, and body image) are present in hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP). However, it remains unclear whether the body image develops from aspects of body schema and body structural description, and how this occurs in children with HCP. Objective and methods: In a cross-sectional study, we investigated 53 children with HCP (mean age about 10 years) and 204 typically developing (TD) control children to qualitatively evaluate whether and how body schema (related sensorimotor experiences) and body structural description (related visuospatial experiences) affect the development of children's body image and whether this development is delayed through HCP. Graph analysis was used to create a lexical-semantic map of body representation from data of a semantic word fluency task. Results: Results indicated a similar qualitative pattern of influences of sensorimotor and visuospatial experiences on lexical-semantic knowledge of body parts, with a delayed developmental course in children with HCP compared to TD children. Conclusion: These findings suggest that children's body image seemed to be influenced by body schema and body structural descriptions as indicated by poorer lexical-semantic knowledge of body parts in children with HCP due to missing physical experiences of the affected body parts. This might imply that "body talk" may beneficially complement physical therapy for children with HCP to promote body image development.

Neuromotor examination in unilateral cerebral palsy: Bilateral impairments in different levels of motor integration.

Unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP) usually results in damage to the unilateral pyramidal system. However, the clinical presentation of neuromotor deficits also suggests lesions to the extrapyramidal and cerebellar systems bilaterally. In this study, we developed and tested a behavioral neuromotor examination protocol assessing impairments at three levels of motor integration for children with UCP, also considering impairments of the non-paretic upper limb as well as the influences of the laterality of the lesion. We included 30 children with UCP (10.79 ± 2.61 years) and 60 healthy children (8.27 ± 1.57 years) in the study. All children were assessed on general cognitive ability and classified according to the manual ability classification system (MACS). Our neuromotor examination protocol incorporated specific tasks for each level of motor integration: pyramidal, extrapyramidal and cerebellar. Children with UCP and controls did not differ with respect to general cognitive abilities and sex but children with UCP were significantly older. Controls performed significantly better than children with UCP on neuromotor tasks at all levels of motor integration. Additionally, performance of the non-plegine hand in children with UCP was significantly inferior to controls. With the exception of fine motor skills (pyramidal level), children with right and left UCP did not differ. Our behavioral neuromotor examination was sensitive to reveal impairments at all three levels of motor integration bilaterally in children with UCP-although more subtle for the non-paretic limb.

Motor Imagery Development in Children: Changes in Speed and Accuracy With Increasing Age.

Although motor imagery has been pointed as a promising strategy for the rehabilitation of children with neurological disorders, information on their development throughout childhood and adolescence is still scarce. For instance, it is still unclear at what age they reach a development comparable to the motor imagery performance observed in adults. Herein we used a mental rotation task to assess motor imagery in 164 typically developing children and adolescents, which were divided into four age groups (6-7, 8-9, 10-11, and 12-13 years) and 30 adults. The effects of biomechanical constraints, accuracy, and reaction time of the mental rotation task were considered. ANOVA showed that all groups had the effect of biomechanical restrictions of the mental rotation task. We found a group effect for accuracy [F (4, 180) = 17,560; p < 0.00; η2 = 3.79] and reaction time [F (4, 180) = 17.5; p < 0.001, η2 = 0.615], with the results of children groups 6-7 and 8-9 years being significantly lower than the other groups (p < 0.05). In all the analyses, there were no differences regarding accuracy and reaction time among the participants of the age groups 10-11 and 12-13 years and adults (p > 0.05). Concluding, children aged 6-7 years were able to perform motor imagery, motor imagery ability improved as the participants' ages increased, and children aged 10 and over-performed similarly to adults.