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Fang Y, Lerner ZF. Effects of ankle exoskeleton assistance and plantar pressure biofeedback on incline walking mechanics and muscle activity in cerebral palsy. J Biomech 2024; 163:111944. [PMID: 38219555 PMCID: PMC10922449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2024.111944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Ankle dysfunction affects more than 50 % of people with cerebral palsy, resulting in atypical gait patterns that impede lifelong mobility. Incline walking requires increased lower limb effort and is a promising intervention that targets lower-limb extensor muscles. A concern when prescribing incline walking to people with gait deficits is that this exercise may be too challenging or reinforce unfavorable gait patterns. This study aims to investigate how ankle exoskeleton assistance and plantar pressure biofeedback would affect gait mechanics and muscle activity during incline walking in CP. We recruited twelve children and young adults with CP. Participants walked with ankle assistance alone, biofeedback alone, and the combination while we assessed ankle, knee, and hip mechanics, and plantar flexor and knee extensor activity. Compared to incline walking without assistance or biofeedback, ankle assistance alone reduced the peak biological ankle moment by 12 % (p < 0.001) and peak soleus activity by 8 % (p = 0.013); biofeedback alone increased the biological ankle moment (4 %, p = 0.037) and power (19 %, p = 0.012), and plantar flexor activities by 9 - 27 % (p ≤ 0.026); assistance-plus-biofeedback increased biological ankle and knee power by 34 % and 17 %, respectively (p ≤ 0.05). The results indicate that both ankle exoskeleton assistance and plantar pressure biofeedback can effectively modify lower limb mechanics and muscular effort during incline walking in CP. These techniques may help in establishing personalized gait training interventions by providing the ability to adjust intensity and biomechanical focus over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Fang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States; Department of Physical Therapy, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Zachary F Lerner
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States; College of Medicine-Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, United States.
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Choi JY, Oh DW, Son SM, Kim CJ. Physiotherapy strategies for functional improvement in a child with complicated hereditary spastic paraplegia: 1-year follow-up of a case report using a changing criterion design. PHYSIOTHERAPY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:e2006. [PMID: 37058697 DOI: 10.1002/pri.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND and Purpose: Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP) are a group of clinically diverse genetic disorders that share the neurologic symptom of difficulty in walking due to progressive serious muscle weakness and spasticity in the legs. This study describes a physiotherapy program for improving the functional ability of a child diagnosed with complicated HSP and reports the treatment results. METHODS A 10-year-old boy with complicated HSP received a physiotherapy intervention that included strengthening of the leg muscles and treadmill training for 1 h per session, three to four times a week for 6 weeks. Outcome measures included sit-to-stand, 10-m walk, 1-min walk tests, and gross motor function measures (dimensions D and E). RESULTS After the intervention, the sit-to-stand, 1-min walk, and 10-m walk test scores improved by 6.75 times, 2.57 m, and 0.05 m/s, respectively. Furthermore, the gross motor function measure dimensions D and E scores improved by 8% (46%-54%) and 5% (22%-27%), respectively. The gains in each parameter were maintained at the 3- and 6-month and 1-year follow-ups. CONCLUSION These results suggest that structured physiotherapy programs can benefit the functional rehabilitation of children with complicated HSP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Young Choi
- Department of Physical Therapy, Dodam Development Center, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Duck-Won Oh
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health and Medical Science, Cheongju University, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Min Son
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health and Medical Science, Cheongju University, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Ju Kim
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health and Medical Science, Cheongju University, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
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Caregiver Perceptions of an Interdisciplinary Intensive Therapy Program: A Qualitative Study. Pediatr Phys Ther 2023; 35:228-235. [PMID: 36637445 DOI: 10.1097/pep.0000000000000994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore perceptions of caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental conditions participating in an interdisciplinary intensive therapy program. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were completed with caregivers. The intensive program consisted of occupational, physical, and/or speech therapy 3 to 6.5 hours/day, 3 to 5 days/week, for 4 weeks. Team-based collaborative goal setting was used to determine each child's plan of care. Reflexive thematic analysis identified interview themes. RESULTS Thirteen caregivers participated. Children ranged in age from 6 to 13 years; diagnoses included cerebral palsy (n = 10), spina bifida (n = 1), ataxia (n = 1), and stroke (n = 1). An overarching theme of Immersive was identified; other themes included Everybody's Empowered, Principles of Neuroplasticity, Progress Across the ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health) Framework, It Takes a Team, and Benefits Outweigh the Challenges. CONCLUSIONS Caregivers valued interdisciplinary intensive therapy. For children with complex rehabilitation needs, an interdisciplinary, intensive therapy program may be a viable alternative to traditional therapy models for service delivery.
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Lepoura A, Lampropoulou S, Galanos A, Papadopoulou M, Sakellari V. Study protocol of a randomised controlled trial for the effectiveness of a functional partial body weight support treadmill training (FPBWSTT) on motor and functional skills of children with ataxia. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056943. [PMID: 35338064 PMCID: PMC8961158 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A great heterogeneity characterises the paediatric population with ataxia, which has been studied poorly. The lack of postural control and coordination, in addition with features of the 'ataxic' gait are linked with functional limitations. Studies on physiotherapy interventions for children with ataxia are highly needed for identifying optimal training strategies for improving motor and functional related skills. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A stratified randomised control clinical trial of a 4-week functional partial body weight support treadmill training, (5 days/week 45 min/day) and 2-month follow-up period will be applied in children with ataxia, aged 8-18 years old with Gross Motor Function Classification System II-IV. Participants will be allocated to experimental group (intervention and usual care) or control group (usual care), using stratified randomisation process into two strata (progressive and non-progressive ataxia). Participants will be assessed at baseline, by the end of the 4-week period and by the end of a 2-month period as a follow-up measurement. Motor and functional skills will be assessed using the Gross Motor Function Measure-D and E, the Pediatric Balance Scale, the 10-meter walk test, the 6-minute walk test, the Scale for Assessment and Rating Ataxia, the timed up and go test and children's spatiotemporal gait features will be assessed through GaitSens software recording over a 2 min low treadmill gait speed, while three-dimensional gait analysis will be performed for kinetic and kinematic analysis of the lower limbs in all three levels of movement. Two-way mixed Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with factors 'intervention' (between group) and 'time' (within group) will be used for the analysis of all parameters. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) will be used in case of imbalance of baseline measurements. Statistical significance will be set at p<0.05 using the statistical package SPSS V.21.00. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION University of West Attica (study's protocol: 14η/26-04-2021) and 'ATTIKON' General University Hospital of Athens (study's protocol: Γ ΠΑΙΔ, ΕΒΔ 149/20-3-2020). Trial results of the main trial will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and/or international conference. TRAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN54463720.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sofia Lampropoulou
- Physiotherapy, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Patras, Greece
| | - Antonis Galanos
- Laboratory for Research of the Musculoskeletal System, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Faculty of Medicine, Athens, Greece
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A Study on Physical Exercise and General Mobility in People with Cerebral Palsy: Health through Costless Routines. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18179179. [PMID: 34501769 PMCID: PMC8430775 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Sedentary behavior (SB) is a common problem that may produce health issues in people with cerebral palsy (CP). When added to a progressive reduction in motor functions over time, SB can lead to higher percentages of body fat, muscle stiffness and associated health issues in this population. Regular physical activity (RPA) may prevent the loss of motor skills and reduce health risks. In this work, we analyzed data collected from 40 people (20 children and teenagers, and 20 adults) who attend two specialist centers in Seville to obtain an up-to-date picture regarding the practice of RPA in people with CP. Roughly 60% of the participants showed mostly mid/severe mobility difficulties, while 38% also had communicative issues. Most of the participants performed light-intensity physical activity (PA) at least once or twice a week and, in the majority of cases, had a neutral or positive attitude to exercising. In the Asociación Sevillana de Parálisis Cerebral (ASPACE) sample test, the higher the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), the higher the percentage of negative responses to doing exercise. Conversely, in the Centro Específico de Educación Especial Mercedes Sanromá (CEEEMS), people likes PA but slightly higher ratios of positive responses were found at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels V and II, agreeing with the higher personal engagement of people at those levels. We have also performed a literature review regarding RPA in CP and the use of low-cost equipment. As a conclusion, we found that RPA produces enormous benefits for health and motor functions, whatever its intensity and duration. Costless activities such as walking, running or playing sports; exercises requiring low-cost equipment such as elastic bands, certain smartwatches or video-games; or therapies with animals, among many others, have all demonstrated their suitability for such a purpose.
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Apolo-Arenas MD, Jerônimo AFDA, Caña-Pino A, Fernandes O, Alegrete J, Parraca JA. Standardized Outcomes Measures in Physical Therapy Practice for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Cerebral PALSY: A Systematic Review. J Pers Med 2021; 11:604. [PMID: 34206816 PMCID: PMC8303849 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11070604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral palsy (CP) treatment includes physical therapy and various complementary therapies to the standard clinical treatment. However, there are not many reviews that focus on the methods used and evaluation procedures. This study aims to analyze which tools are most suitable for the evaluation and methodology of patients with CP treated with physical therapy. Following the PRISMA statement, through a PICOS strategy, PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, Science Direct, and Scielo were searched with the following terms: cerebral palsy AND (physical therapy modalities OR therapeutics) AND outcome assessment. The methodological quality of the RCTs was assessed with the Evidence Project risk of bias tool. Thirty-seven RCTs and six RCT protocols, comprising 1359 participants with different types of CP: spastic hemiplegia/paresis, spastic diplegia/paresis, and spastic CP, met the inclusion criteria, uncovering 21 variables measured through 77 different instruments and several interventions. The therapies most widely used in CP are gaming or technology-assisted therapies, aerobic training, hippotherapy, music therapy, gait training, and aquatic exercises. This study provides an overview of what the authors used in the neurorehabilitation field through procedure evaluation and checking the technological advance that began to be used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Dolores Apolo-Arenas
- Departamento Terapéutica Médico Quirúrgica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain; (M.D.A.-A.); (A.C.-P.)
| | - Aline Ferreira de Araújo Jerônimo
- Departamento de Desporto e Saúde, Escola de Saúde e Desenvolvimento Humano, Universidade de Évora, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal; (A.F.d.A.J.); (O.F.); (J.A.)
| | - Alejandro Caña-Pino
- Departamento Terapéutica Médico Quirúrgica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain; (M.D.A.-A.); (A.C.-P.)
| | - Orlando Fernandes
- Departamento de Desporto e Saúde, Escola de Saúde e Desenvolvimento Humano, Universidade de Évora, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal; (A.F.d.A.J.); (O.F.); (J.A.)
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Universidade de Évora, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal
| | - Joana Alegrete
- Departamento de Desporto e Saúde, Escola de Saúde e Desenvolvimento Humano, Universidade de Évora, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal; (A.F.d.A.J.); (O.F.); (J.A.)
| | - Jose Alberto Parraca
- Departamento de Desporto e Saúde, Escola de Saúde e Desenvolvimento Humano, Universidade de Évora, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal; (A.F.d.A.J.); (O.F.); (J.A.)
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Universidade de Évora, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal
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Kilgour G, Adair B, Stott NS, Steele M, Hogan A, Imms C. Do physical activity interventions influence subsequent attendance and involvement in physical activities for children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review. Disabil Rehabil 2021; 44:1682-1698. [PMID: 34097836 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1909151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate if children with cerebral palsy have sustained attendance and involvement in physical activities after completing physical activity interventions. METHODS The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. Seven databases were searched for the period 2001-2020 with hand-searching of pertinent reference lists. Criteria for study inclusion were participants aged 0-18 years and ≥50% with cerebral palsy; follow-up ≥1 month beyond completion of the physical activity intervention; and measurement of attendance and/or involvement in any physical activity post-intervention. Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessments (Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) or tool for non-randomised studies) were completed independently by paired reviewers. Results were compiled by narrative synthesis. RESULTS Thirteen studies were included (11 randomised controlled trials (RCTs), two non-randomised case series; intervention sample sizes: 6-34). All study participants had cerebral palsy and were aged 4-16.7 years. PEDro scores for the RCTs ranged from 5 to 10; 10 did not blind one or more therapist, participant, or assessor. Two case series showed high risk of bias. Twelve studies reported on attendance, with positive changes in three studies. At 4-14 weeks post-intervention, two studies demonstrated positive changes were maintained. Four studies included involvement outcomes; one reporting positive changes in physical activity involvement four weeks after intervention completion. CONCLUSIONS Physical activity attendance may be influenced by physical activity interventions in the short term, but more robust research designs are required to investigate whether gains can be sustained. Activity involvement, which may influence ongoing participation, is under-researched.Implications for RehabilitationPositive changes in attendance and involvement following physical activity interventions appear short term at best.Physical activity interventions should have longer follow-up periods to determine the effect on sustained physical activity participation.Careful selection and reporting of attendance and involvement outcome measures is required.The optimal physical activity intervention to increase attendance or involvement in physical activities remains uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaela Kilgour
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Brooke Adair
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | - Amy Hogan
- Cerebral Palsy Society, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Christine Imms
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Bailes AF, Greve K, Long J, Kurowski BG, Vargus-Adams J, Aronow B, Mitelpunkt A. Describing the Delivery of Evidence-Based Physical Therapy Intervention to Individuals With Cerebral Palsy. Pediatr Phys Ther 2021; 33:65-72. [PMID: 33770793 PMCID: PMC10141519 DOI: 10.1097/pep.0000000000000783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To characterize by evidence grades and examine variation in type of physical therapy intervention delivered in routine clinical care in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS Retrospective data collection from the electronic record over 1 year at a tertiary care pediatric outpatient therapy division. RESULTS Four hundred sixty-five individuals with CP received 28 344 interventions during 4335 treatment visits. Sixty-six percent of interventions were evidence-based interventions (EBIs). Significant variation was demonstrated across Gross Motor Function Classification System levels, with children classified as level V receiving the least and level III the most. The most frequent EBIs delivered were caregiver education, motor control, functional strengthening, ankle-foot orthoses, treadmill training, and fit of adaptive equipment. CONCLUSIONS Further work is needed to determine whether amount of EBI is related to better outcomes. Combining this information with other aspects of dose (intensity, time, and frequency) may elucidate the contribution of each with outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy F Bailes
- Division of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy (Drs Bailes, Greve, and Long), Division of Orthopaedic Surgery Motion Analysis Laboratory (Dr Long), and Division of Biomedical Informatics (Drs Aronow and Mitelpunkt), Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Rehabilitation Science (Dr Bailes), University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio; Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine (Drs Kurowski and Vargus-Adams), Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio; Sackler Faculty of Medicine (Dr Mitelpunkt), Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Martakis K, Stark C, Rehberg M, Semler O, Duran I, Schoenau E. Reference Centiles to Monitor the 6-minute-walk Test in Ambulant Children with Cerebral Palsy and Identification of Effects after Rehabilitation Utilizing Whole-body Vibration. Dev Neurorehabil 2021; 24:45-55. [PMID: 32564635 DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2020.1770891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: Children with cerebral palsy present age-driven development in gross motor skills and walking capacity. Aims: To precisely monitor the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in children with CP, GMFCS levels 1 and 2 over 6 months and to assess the effect of a 6-month rehabilitation program including whole-body vibration. Methods: Retrospective analysis of data of 157 children with CP who received standardized rehabilitation (DRKS00011331). 6MWT was assessed at the start (M0) and end of the training (M6), as well as at a 6-month follow-up (M12). Centiles were created using the lambda-mu-sigma (LMS) method. Results: We created 6MWT percentiles using data of all 157 children (M0 data). A medium treatment effect size (Cohen's d = 0.69) was found (M6 and M12 data). Conclusions: The generated centiles may help monitor 6MWT changes over 6 months. Combining WBV and conventional physiotherapy can significantly improve 6MWT in children with CP. Abbreviations: 6MWT: 6-Minute Walk Test; CP: Cerebral palsy; ES: effect size; GMFCS: Gross Motor Function Classification System; GMFM-66: Gross Motor Function Measure 66; LOESS: locally weighted scatterplot smoothing; LMS: lambda-mu-sigma; MCID: minimal clinical important difference; SD: standard deviation; SRM: standardized response mean; WBV: whole-body vibration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriakos Martakis
- Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Centre of Prevention and Rehabilitation , Cologne, Germany.,Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cologne , Cologne, Germany.,Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of International Health, Care and Public Health Research Institute, School CAPHRI, Maastricht University , Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatric Neurology, Social Pediatrics and Epileptology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen and UKGM , Giessen, Germany
| | - Christina Stark
- Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cologne , Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Centre for Musculoskeletal Biomechanics (CCMB), University of Cologne , Cologne, Germany
| | - Mirko Rehberg
- Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cologne , Cologne, Germany.,Centre for Rare Skeletal Diseases in Childhood, University of Cologne , Cologne, Germany
| | - Oliver Semler
- Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cologne , Cologne, Germany.,Centre for Rare Skeletal Diseases in Childhood, University of Cologne , Cologne, Germany
| | - Ibrahim Duran
- Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Centre of Prevention and Rehabilitation , Cologne, Germany
| | - Eckhard Schoenau
- Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Centre of Prevention and Rehabilitation , Cologne, Germany.,Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cologne , Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Centre for Musculoskeletal Biomechanics (CCMB), University of Cologne , Cologne, Germany
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Chiu HC, Ada L, Bania TA. Mechanically assisted walking training for walking, participation, and quality of life in children with cerebral palsy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 11:CD013114. [PMID: 33202482 PMCID: PMC8092676 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013114.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood. Mechanically assisted walking training can be provided with or without body weight support to enable children with cerebral palsy to perform repetitive practice of complex gait cycles. It is important to examine the effects of mechanically assisted walking training to identify evidence-based treatments to improve walking performance. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of mechanically assisted walking training compared to control for walking, participation, and quality of life in children with cerebral palsy 3 to 18 years of age. SEARCH METHODS In January 2020, we searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, six other databases, and two trials registers. We handsearched conference abstracts and checked reference lists of included studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs, including cross-over trials, comparing any type of mechanically assisted walking training (with or without body weight support) with no walking training or the same dose of overground walking training in children with cerebral palsy (classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] Levels I to IV) 3 to 18 years of age. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS This review includes 17 studies with 451 participants (GMFCS Levels I to IV; mean age range 4 to 14 years) from outpatient settings. The duration of the intervention period (4 to 12 weeks) ranged widely, as did intensity of training in terms of both length (15 minutes to 40 minutes) and frequency (two to five times a week) of sessions. Six studies were funded by grants, three had no funding support, and eight did not report information on funding. Due to the nature of the intervention, all studies were at high risk of performance bias. Mechanically assisted walking training without body weight support versus no walking training Four studies (100 participants) assessed this comparison. Compared to no walking, mechanically assisted walking training without body weight support increased walking speed (mean difference [MD] 0.05 meter per second [m/s] [change scores], 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.03 to 0.07; 1 study, 10 participants; moderate-quality evidence) as measured by the Biodex Gait Trainer 2™ (Biodex, Shirley, NY, USA) and improved gross motor function (standardized MD [SMD] 1.30 [postintervention scores], 95% CI 0.49 to 2.11; 2 studies, 60 participants; low-quality evidence) postintervention. One study (30 participants) reported no adverse events (low-quality evidence). No study measured participation or quality of life. Mechanically assisted walking training without body weight support versus the same dose of overground walking training Two studies (55 participants) assessed this comparison. Compared to the same dose of overground walking, mechanically assisted walking training without body weight support increased walking speed (MD 0.25 m/s [change or postintervention scores], 95% CI 0.13 to 0.37; 2 studies, 55 participants; moderate-quality evidence) as assessed by the 6-minute walk test or Vicon gait analysis. It also improved gross motor function (MD 11.90% [change scores], 95% CI 2.98 to 20.82; 1 study, 35 participants; moderate-quality evidence) as assessed by the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and participation (MD 8.20 [change scores], 95% CI 5.69 to 10.71; 1 study, 35 participants; moderate-quality evidence) as assessed by the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (scored from 0 to 59), compared to the same dose of overground walking training. No study measured adverse events or quality of life. Mechanically assisted walking training with body weight support versus no walking training Eight studies (210 participants) assessed this comparison. Compared to no walking training, mechanically assisted walking training with body weight support increased walking speed (MD 0.07 m/s [change and postintervention scores], 95% CI 0.06 to 0.08; 7 studies, 161 participants; moderate-quality evidence) as assessed by the 10-meter or 8-meter walk test. There were no differences between groups in gross motor function (MD 1.09% [change and postintervention scores], 95% CI -0.57 to 2.75; 3 studies, 58 participants; low-quality evidence) as assessed by the GMFM; participation (SMD 0.33 [change scores], 95% CI -0.27 to 0.93; 2 studies, 44 participants; low-quality evidence); and quality of life (MD 9.50% [change scores], 95% CI -4.03 to 23.03; 1 study, 26 participants; low-quality evidence) as assessed by the Pediatric Quality of Life Cerebral Palsy Module (scored 0 [bad] to 100 [good]). Three studies (56 participants) reported no adverse events (low-quality evidence). Mechanically assisted walking training with body weight support versus the same dose of overground walking training Three studies (86 participants) assessed this comparison. There were no differences between groups in walking speed (MD -0.02 m/s [change and postintervention scores], 95% CI -0.08 to 0.04; 3 studies, 78 participants; low-quality evidence) as assessed by the 10-meter or 5-minute walk test; gross motor function (MD -0.73% [postintervention scores], 95% CI -14.38 to 12.92; 2 studies, 52 participants; low-quality evidence) as assessed by the GMFM; and participation (MD -4.74 [change scores], 95% CI -11.89 to 2.41; 1 study, 26 participants; moderate-quality evidence) as assessed by the School Function Assessment (scored from 19 to 76). No study measured adverse events or quality of life. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Compared with no walking, mechanically assisted walking training probably results in small increases in walking speed (with or without body weight support) and may improve gross motor function (with body weight support). Compared with the same dose of overground walking, mechanically assisted walking training with body weight support may result in little to no difference in walking speed and gross motor function, although two studies found that mechanically assisted walking training without body weight support is probably more effective than the same dose of overground walking training for walking speed and gross motor function. Not many studies reported adverse events, although those that did appeared to show no differences between groups. The results are largely not clinically significant, sample sizes are small, and risk of bias and intensity of intervention vary across studies, making it hard to draw robust conclusions. Mechanically assisted walking training is a means to undertake high-intensity, repetitive, task-specific training and may be useful for children with poor concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiu-Ching Chiu
- Department of Physical Therapy, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Louise Ada
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, The University of Sydney, Lidcombe, Australia
| | - Theofani A Bania
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Rehabilitation Science, University of Patras, Myrtia, Greece
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Martakis K, Stark C, Rehberg M, Semler O, Duran I, Schoenau E. One-Minute Walk Test in Children with Cerebral Palsy GMFCS Level 1 and 2: Reference Values to Identify Therapeutic Effects after Rehabilitation. Dev Neurorehabil 2020; 23:201-209. [PMID: 31177878 DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2019.1625981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) show age-driven development and individual fluctuations in walking capacity.Aim: 1. To precisely quantify 1MWT changes in children with CP, GMFCS level 1 and 2, generating 1MWT percentiles, depicting expected development over 6 months; 2. to assess the effect of a 6-month rehabilitation using whole-body vibration (WBV).Methods: Retrospective data analysis in 210 children with CP, GMFCS 1 and 2 who received standardized rehabilitation (DRKS00011331). 1MWT was assessed before (M0) and after treatment (M6), and at a 6-month follow-up (M12). Centiles were created using the lambda-mu-sigma method. Cohen's d was used to assess effect size.Results: We created 1MWT percentiles using data of all 210 children (M0 data). A small treatment effect size (d = 0.46) was found (M6 and M12 data).Conclusions: Using the generated centiles clinicians may monitor 1MWT changes over 6 months. Combining WBV and conventional physiotherapy may improve 1MWT in children with CP.Abbreviations: 1MWT: One-Minute Walk Test; 6MWT: Six-Minute Walk Test; CP: Cerebral palsy; ES: effect size; GMFCS: Gross Motor Function Classification System; GMFM-66: Gross Motor Function Measure 66; LOESS: Locally Estimated Scatterplot Smoothing; LMS: lambda-mu-sigma; SD: standard deviation; WBV: whole-body-vibration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriakos Martakis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany.,Centre for Prevention and Rehabilitation, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany.,Department for Pediatric Neurology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,Department for International Health, FHML, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Christina Stark
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mirko Rehberg
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany
| | - Oliver Semler
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ibrahim Duran
- Centre for Prevention and Rehabilitation, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany
| | - Eckhard Schoenau
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany.,Centre for Prevention and Rehabilitation, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany
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Low-Intensity vs High-Intensity Home-Based Treadmill Training and Walking Attainment in Young Children With Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2020; 101:204-212. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2019.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Henderson G, Beerse M, Liang H, Ferreira D, Wu J. Improvement in Overground Walking After Treadmill-Based Gait Training in a Child With Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum. Phys Ther 2020; 100:157-167. [PMID: 31593234 DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzz144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) is a rare congenital brain defect that produces a wide variety of cognitive and motor impairments. Literature regarding the response of pediatric populations with ACC to physical rehabilitation is scarce. Treadmill-based gait training (TT) has been shown to improve walking ability in some pediatric populations but has not been investigated in children with ACC. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a novel treadmill intervention paradigm on the gait parameters of a child with ACC. DESIGN A single-participant design with 2 phases was used. METHODS The settings were the participant's home and the laboratory. The participant was a 13-year-old girl who had ACC and cortical visual impairment and who ambulated independently using a reverse walker for household and short community distances. A home-based TT intervention (2 phases of 3 months of training over 6 months) was implemented, and a laboratory-based gait analysis was conducted at 4 time points: baseline, after each of the 2 training phases, and 3 months after the cessation of training. The intervention consisted of weekly bouts of TT. Phase I incorporated forward, backward, and incline walking for 15 minutes each; in phase II, this protocol was continued, but short-burst interval training for 10 minutes was added. Data collected at each laboratory visit included spatiotemporal parameters and kinematics (joint angles) during overground and treadmill walking. RESULTS After both phases of training, increased step length, decreased step width, and foot progression angle and decreased variability of most spatiotemporal parameters were observed for the participant. Further, after phase II, increased peak extension at the hip, knee, and ankle, decreased crouched gait, and improved minimum foot clearance during overground walking were observed. Most gait improvements were retained for 3 months after the cessation of the intervention. LIMITATIONS The small sample size of this study and wide variety of presentations within individuals with ACC limit the generalizability of our findings. CONCLUSIONS TT may be a safe and effective treatment paradigm for children with ACC. Future research should investigate the effect of intervention dosage on gait improvements and generalization in individuals with ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gena Henderson
- Department of Kinesiology and Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Matthew Beerse
- Department of Health and Sports Science, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio
| | - Huaqing Liang
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Diego Ferreira
- Department of Kinesiology and Health, Georgia State University
| | - Jianhua Wu
- Department of Kinesiology and Health, Georgia State University, 125 Decatur St, Atlanta, GA 30302 (USA); and Center for Movement and Rehabilitation Research, Georgia State University
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