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Gatt C, Gatt A, Formosa C, Sillato D, Gatt R. The Traffic Light System: A user-friendly alternative for gait data representation. Gait Posture 2024; 108:84-89. [PMID: 38016397 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Instrumented gait analysis is an established procedure in biomechanical assessment, requiring specially-trained analysts to interpret the complex graphical output generated. RESEARCH QUESTION Does a new method of visual representation of lower limb kinematic gait analysis data provide a reliable and valid method of interpretation of biomechanical data for healthcare professionals? METHODS An innovative system based on the Traffic Lights System (TLS) was developed. Simulated abnormal gait was captured using a 16-camera optoelectronic motion capture system, and the results were presented in both the Traditional Graphical System (TGS) format and the new TLS. An online form was filled by health professionals who attempted to interpret normal and abnormal motion in the joints presented in the 2 output formats. RESULTS Out of 26 raters, 18 preferred the new system because of its user-friendliness and its ease of interpretation. 2 raters preferred the TGS, with one of these raters clarifying that the preference is due to colour blindness. For intra-rater reliability, 2 trained raters provided a second response for the TGS (Cronbach's Alpha ranging between 0.733 and 0.918), whilst the TLS resulted in Cronbach's Alpha between 0.817 and 1.00 amongst 3 untrained raters. The Fleiss Multi-rater Kappa Test demonstrated low inter-rater reliability amongst raters in the TGS, whereas the overall Fleiss Multi-rater Kappa values of the TLS surpassed the TGS in all 3 studies. SIGNIFICANCE This study showed that whilst trained health professionals have high intra-rater reliability in interpreting traditional gait analysis results, those professionals inexperienced in the system, do not always comprehend the complex graphs generated by the system when presenting gait analysis data. When these graphs are transformed into coloured outputs representing the extent of the movement, the TLS has demonstrated high validity and high intra- and inter-rater reliability, significantly exceeding those of the TGS, especially in untrained health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corene Gatt
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Malta
| | - Alfred Gatt
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Malta.
| | | | | | - Ruben Gatt
- Metamaterials Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Malta, Malta
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2
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Lin J, Wang Y, Sha J, Li Y, Fan Z, Lei W, Yan Y. Clinical reliability and validity of a video-based markerless gait evaluation method. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1331176. [PMID: 38188911 PMCID: PMC10771829 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1331176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the reliability and validity of gait parameters obtained from gait assessment system software employing a human posture estimation algorithm based on markerless videos of children walking in clinical practice. Methods Eighteen typical developmental (TD) children and ten children with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) were recruited to walk along a designated sidewalk at a comfortable walking speed. A 3-dimensional gait analysis (3D GA) and a 2-dimensional markerless (2D ML) gait evaluation system were used to extract the gait kinematics parameters twice at an interval of 2 h. Results The two measurements of the children's kinematic gait parameters revealed no significant differences (P > 0.05). Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were generally high (ICC >0.7), showing moderate to good relative reliability. The standard error of measurement (SEM) values of all gait parameters measured by the two walks were 1.26°-2.91°. The system software had good to excellent validity compared to the 3D GA, with ICC values between 0.835 and 0.957 and SEM values of 0.87°-1.71° for the gait parameters measured by both methods. The Bland-Altman plot analysis indicated no significant systematic errors. Conclusions The feasibility of the markerless gait assessment method using the human posture estimation-based algorithm may provide reliable and valid gait analysis results for practical clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jincong Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yongtao Wang
- School of Telecommunications Engineering, Xidian University, Xi’an, China
- Guangzhou Institute, Xidian University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jia Sha
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Li
- School of Telecommunications Engineering, Xidian University, Xi’an, China
- Guangzhou Institute, Xidian University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zongzhi Fan
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wei Lei
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yabo Yan
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
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Gómez-Pérez C, Vidal Samsó J, Puig Diví A, Medina Casanovas J, Font-Llagunes JM, Martori JC. Relationship between spatiotemporal parameters and clinical outcomes in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy: Clinical interpretation proposal. J Orthop Sci 2023; 28:1136-1142. [PMID: 36216726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jos.2022.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the links between gait disorders, impairments, and activity limitations is essential for correctly interpreting the instrumented gait analysis. We aimed to evaluate the relationships between spatiotemporal parameters and clinical outcomes in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy, and find out whether spatiotemporal parameters provide clinical information regarding gait pattern and walking. METHODS Data from 19 children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (nine males, ten females, 9.6 ± 2.8 years old) were collected retrospectively. All children underwent an instrumented gait analysis and a standardized clinical assessment. Seven spatiotemporal parameters were calculated: non-dimensional cadence, stride length, step width, gait speed, first double support, single support, and time of toe off. Clinical outcomes included measures of two different components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health - Children and Youth version: body functions and structures (spasticity, contractures and range of motion, and deformities), and activities and participation (gross motor function, and walking capacity). Pearson correlation, ANOVA, Student's t, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to analyze relationships. Spatiotemporal parameters related to clinical outcomes of body functions and structures were interpreted as outcome measures of gait pattern, while those related to clinical outcomes of activities and participation were interpreted as outcome measures of walking. RESULTS Non-dimensional cadence, stride length, and gait speed showed relationships (p < 0.05) with hip flexors spasticity and hindfoot deformity, ankle plantar flexors spasticity, and hindfoot deformity, respectively. All spatiotemporal parameters except non-dimensional cadence showed correlation (p < 0.05) with gross motor function and walking capacity. CONCLUSIONS Spatiotemporal parameters provide clinical information regarding both gait pattern and walking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Gómez-Pérez
- Research Group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences (M(3)O), Faculty of Health Sciences and Welfare, Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVIC-UCC), Vic, Spain.
| | - Joan Vidal Samsó
- Institut Guttmann, Hospital de Neurorehabilitació, Badalona, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Fundació Institut d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
| | - Albert Puig Diví
- Blanquerna School of Health Sciences - Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Medina Casanovas
- Institut Guttmann, Hospital de Neurorehabilitació, Badalona, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Fundació Institut d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
| | - Josep M Font-Llagunes
- Biomechanical Engineering Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Research Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Joan Carles Martori
- Data Analysis and Modeling Research Group, Department of Economics and Business, Faculty of Business and Communication Studies, University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
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Peeters N, Papageorgiou E, Hanssen B, De Beukelaer N, Staut L, Degelaen M, Van den Broeck C, Calders P, Feys H, Van Campenhout A, Desloovere K. The Short-Term Impact of Botulinum Neurotoxin-A on Muscle Morphology and Gait in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:676. [PMID: 36287944 PMCID: PMC9607504 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14100676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Children with spastic cerebral palsy (SCP) are often treated with intramuscular Botulinum Neurotoxin type-A (BoNT-A). Recent studies demonstrated BoNT-A-induced muscle atrophy and variable effects on gait pathology. This group-matched controlled study in children with SCP compared changes in muscle morphology 8-10 weeks post-BoNT-A treatment (n = 25, median age 6.4 years, GMFCS level I/II/III (14/9/2)) to morphological changes of an untreated control group (n = 20, median age 7.6 years, GMFCS level I/II/III (14/5/1)). Additionally, the effects on gait and spasticity were assessed in all treated children and a subgroup (n = 14), respectively. BoNT-A treatment was applied following an established integrated approach. Gastrocnemius and semitendinosus volume and echogenicity intensity were assessed by 3D-freehand ultrasound, spasticity was quantified through electromyography during passive muscle stretches at different velocities. Ankle and knee kinematics were evaluated by 3D-gait analysis. Medial gastrocnemius (p = 0.018, -5.2%) and semitendinosus muscle volume (p = 0.030, -16.2%) reduced post-BoNT-A, but not in the untreated control group, while echogenicity intensity did not change. Spasticity reduced and ankle gait kinematics significantly improved, combined with limited effects on knee kinematics. This study demonstrated that BoNT-A reduces spasticity and partly improves pathological gait but reduces muscle volume 8-10 weeks post-injections. Close post-BoNT-A follow-up and well-considered treatment selection is advised before BoNT-A application in SCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicky Peeters
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Britta Hanssen
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Lauraine Staut
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marc Degelaen
- Inkendaal Rehabilitation Hospital, 1602 Vlezenbeek, Belgium
- Rehabilitation Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Patrick Calders
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hilde Feys
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anja Van Campenhout
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kaat Desloovere
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
- Clinical Motion Analysis Laboratory, University Hospitals Leuven, Pellenberg, 3212 Leuven, Belgium
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Tsitlakidis S, Campos S, Beckmann NA, Wolf SI, Hagmann S, Renkawitz T, Götze M. Transversal Malalignment and Proximal Involvement Play a Relevant Role in Unilateral Cerebral Palsy Regardless the Subtype. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11164816. [PMID: 36013051 PMCID: PMC9409971 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11164816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Classification of gait disorders in cerebral palsy (CP) remains challenging. The Winters, Gage, and Hicks (WGH) is a commonly used classification system for unilateral CP regarding the gait patterns (lower limb kinematics) solely in the sagittal plane. Due to the high number of unclassified patients, this classification system might fail to depict all gait disorders accurately. As the information on trunk/pelvic movements, frontal and transverse planes, and kinetics are disregarded in WGH, 3D instrumented gait analysis (IGA) for further characterization is necessary. The objective of this study was a detailed analysis of patients with unilateral CP using IGA taking all planes/degrees of freedom into account including pelvic and trunk movements. A total of 89 individuals with unilateral CP matched the inclusion criteria and were classified by WGH. Subtype-specific differences were analyzed. The most remarkable findings, in addition to the established WGH subtype-specific deviations, were pelvic obliquity and pelvic retraction in all WGH types. Furthermore, the unclassified individuals showed altered hip rotation moments and pelvic retraction almost throughout the whole gait cycle. Transversal malalignment and proximal involvement are relevant in all individuals with unilateral CP. Further studies should focus on WGH type-specific rotational malalignment assessment (static vs. dynamic, femoral vs. tibial) including therapeutic effects and potential subtype-specific compensation mechanisms and/or tertiary deviations of the sound limb.
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GMFCS Level-Specific Differences in Kinematics and Joint Moments of the Involved Side in Unilateral Cerebral Palsy. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11092556. [PMID: 35566682 PMCID: PMC9100606 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11092556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
A variety of gait pathologies is seen in cerebral palsy. Movement patterns between different levels of functional impairment may differ. The objective of this work was the evaluation of Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level-specific movement disorders. A total of 89 individuals with unilateral cerebral palsy and no history of prior treatment were included and classified according to their functional impairment. GMFCS level-specific differences, kinematics and joint moments, exclusively of the involved side, were analyzed for all planes for all lower limb joints, including pelvic and trunk movements. GMFCS level I and level II individuals most relevantly showed equinus/reduced dorsiflexion moments, knee flexion/reduced knee extension moments, reduced hip extension moments with pronounced flexion, internal hip rotation and reduced hip abduction. Anterior pelvic tilt, obliquity and retraction were found. Individuals with GMFCS level II were characterized by an additional pronounced reduction in all extensor moments, pronounced rotational malalignment and reduced hip abduction. The most striking characteristics of GMFCS level II were excessive anterior pelvic/trunk tilt and excessive trunk obliquity. Pronounced reduction in extensor moments and excessive trunk lean are distinguishing features of GMFCS level II. These patients would benefit particularly from surgical treatment restoring pelvic symmetry and improving hip abductor leverage. Future studies exploring GMFCS level-specific compensation of the sound limb and GMFCS level-specific malalignment are of interest.
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Dimakopoulos R, Syrogiannopoulos G, Grivea I, Dailiana Z, Youroukos S, Spinou A. Kinematic and Temporospatial Changes in Children with Cerebral Palsy during the Initial Stages of Gait Development. Dev Neurorehabil 2022; 25:10-18. [PMID: 33872103 DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2021.1914763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify changes in the gait kinematics and temporospatial parameters of children with bilateral Cerebral Palsy (CP) at 8 months after the onset of independent walking and identify differences to Typical Development (TD) children at the onset of independent walking and at 8 months follow up. METHOD Sixteen children with bilateral CP, GMFCS levels I and II, and 15 TD children were recruited. Gait kinematics and temporospatial parameters were recorded using a 3-D gait analysis system; the sagittal plane of the lower limb joints was analyzed. Baseline measurements were recorded at the individual's onset of independent walking and follow up was after 8 months. RESULTS Compared to baseline, children with bilateral CP demonstrated increased (mean difference ± SE) plantar flexion (11.79 ± 2.96), single support (0.04 ± 0.01), step length (0.2 ± 0.05) and stride length (0.4 ± 0.09), at follow up; all p < .05. Compared to TD children, they also had lower gait speed (0.16 ± 0.05), higher single support (0.02 ± 0.01) and lower maximum knee extension (9.14 ± 4.49) during the swing phase, at baseline and follow up (0.1 ± 0.04, 0.05 ± 0.01, 23.04 ± 4.17, respectively); all p < .05. CONCLUSION There are changes in the sagittal plane kinematics and temporospatial parameters of the gait during the first 8 months of independent walking. These indicate gait maturation changes and highlight the impact of walking experience on the gait characteristics of children with bilateral CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rigas Dimakopoulos
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Greece.,Laboratory of Neuromuscular and Cardiovascular Study of Motion, Physiotherapy Department, University of West Attica, Greece
| | | | - Ioanna Grivea
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - Zoe Dailiana
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - Sotirios Youroukos
- 1st Pediatric Clinic, University of Athens, "Agia Sofia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Arietta Spinou
- Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
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Gómez-Pérez C, Martori JC, Puig Diví A, Medina Casanovas J, Vidal Samsó J, Font-Llagunes JM. Gait event detection using kinematic data in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2021; 90:105492. [PMID: 34627071 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2021.105492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ground reaction forces are the gold standard for detecting gait events, but they are not always applicable in cerebral palsy. Ghoussayni's algorithm is an event detection method based on the sagittal plane velocity of heel and toe markers. We aimed to evaluate whether Ghoussayni's algorithm, using two different thresholds, was a valid event detection method in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy. We also aimed to define a new adaptation of Ghoussayni's algorithm for detecting foot strike in cerebral palsy, and study the effect of event detection methods on spatiotemporal parameters. METHODS Synchronized kinematic and kinetic data were collected retrospectively from 16 children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (7 males and 9 females; age 8.9 ± 2.7 years) walking barefoot at self-selected speed. Gait events were detected using methods: 1) ground reaction forces, 2) Ghoussayni's algorithm with a threshold of 0.5 m/s, and 3) Ghoussayni's algorithm with a walking speed dependent threshold. The new adaptation distinguished how foot strikes were performed (heel and/or toe) comparing the timing when the foot markers velocities fell below the threshold. Differences between the three methods, and between spatiotemporal parameters calculated from the two Ghoussayni's thresholds were analyzed. FINDINGS There were statistically significant (P < 0.05) differences between methods 1 and 3, and between some spatiotemporal parameters calculated from methods 2 and 3. Ghoussayni's algorithm showed better performance for foot strike than for toe off. INTERPRETATION Ghoussayni's algorithm using 0.5 m/s is valid in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy. Event detection methods affect spatiotemporal parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Gómez-Pérez
- Research group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences (M(3)O), Faculty of Health Sciences and Welfare, Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVIC-UCC), C. Sagrada Família 7, 08500 Vic, Spain.
| | - Joan Carles Martori
- Data Analysis and Modeling Research Group, Department of Economics and Business, Faculty of Business and Communication Studies, University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), C. Sagrada Família 7, 08500 Vic, Spain.
| | - Albert Puig Diví
- Blanquerna School of Health Sciences - Ramon Llull University, C. Padilla 326, 08025 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Josep Medina Casanovas
- Institut Guttmann, Hospital de Neurorehabilitació, Camí de Can Ruti, 08916 Badalona, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Plaça Cívica, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Fundació Institut d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Carretera Canyet, 08916 Badalona, Spain.
| | - Joan Vidal Samsó
- Institut Guttmann, Hospital de Neurorehabilitació, Camí de Can Ruti, 08916 Badalona, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Plaça Cívica, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Fundació Institut d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Carretera Canyet, 08916 Badalona, Spain.
| | - Josep M Font-Llagunes
- Biomechanical Engineering Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Research Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Av. Diagonal 647, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, C. Santa Rosa 39-57, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain.
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Belizón-Bravo N, Romero-Galisteo RP, Cano-Bravo F, Gonzalez-Medina G, Pinero-Pinto E, Luque-Moreno C. Effects of Dynamic Suit Orthoses on the Spatio-Temporal Gait Parameters in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 8:children8111016. [PMID: 34828729 PMCID: PMC8621824 DOI: 10.3390/children8111016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Dynamic suit orthoses (DSO) are currently used as a complementary treatment method in children with Cerebral Palsy (cwCP). The aim of this review was to assess the effects of interventions with DSO on the altered spatio-temporal gait parameters (STGPs) in cwCP. An electronic search was conducted in the Web of Science, Scopus, PEDro, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE/PubMed, and CINAHL databases up to July 2021. We included a total of 12 studies, which showed great heterogeneity in terms of design type, sample size, and intervention performed (two employed a Therasuit, three employed the Adeli suit, three employed Theratogs, one employed elastomeric tissue dynamic orthosis, one employed a full-body suit, one employed external belt orthosis, and one employed dynamic orthosis composed of trousers and T-shirt). The Cochrane collaboration’s tool and the Checklist for Measuring Study Quality were used to assess the risk of bias and the methodological quality of the studies. It was variable according to the Checklist for Measuring Study Quality, and it oscillated between eight and 23. The studies of higher methodological quality showed significant post-intervention changes in walking speed (which is the most widely evaluated parameter), cadence, stride length, and step length symmetry. Although the evidence is limited, the intervention with DSO combined with a programme of training/physical therapy seems to have positive effects on the STGPs in cwCP, with the functional improvements that it entails. Despite the immediate effect after one session, a number of sessions between 18 and 60 is recommended to obtain optimum results. Future studies should measure all STGPs, and not only the main ones, such as gait speed, in order to draw more accurate conclusions on the functional improvement of gait after the use of this type of intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Belizón-Bravo
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Cádiz, 11009 Cádiz, Spain; (N.B.-B.); (G.G.-M.); (C.L.-M.)
| | - Rita Pilar Romero-Galisteo
- Department of Physiotherapy, Biomedical Research Institute of Malaga (IBIMA), University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +0034-951-052-862
| | - Fatima Cano-Bravo
- Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit, Virgen del Rocío Hospital, 41013 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - Gloria Gonzalez-Medina
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Cádiz, 11009 Cádiz, Spain; (N.B.-B.); (G.G.-M.); (C.L.-M.)
| | - Elena Pinero-Pinto
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, University of Seville, 41004 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - Carlos Luque-Moreno
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Cádiz, 11009 Cádiz, Spain; (N.B.-B.); (G.G.-M.); (C.L.-M.)
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, University of Seville, 41004 Sevilla, Spain;
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Cappellini G, Sylos-Labini F, Assenza C, Libernini L, Morelli D, Lacquaniti F, Ivanenko Y. Clinical Relevance of State-of-the-Art Analysis of Surface Electromyography in Cerebral Palsy. Front Neurol 2020; 11:583296. [PMID: 33362693 PMCID: PMC7759523 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.583296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Surface electromyography (sEMG) can be used to assess the integrity of the neuromuscular system and its impairment in neurological disorders. Here we will consider several issues related to the current clinical applications, difficulties and limited usage of sEMG for the assessment and rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy. The uniqueness of this methodology is that it can determine hyperactivity or inactivity of selected muscles, which cannot be assessed by other methods. In addition, it can assist for intervention or muscle/tendon surgery acts, and it can evaluate integrated functioning of the nervous system based on multi-muscle sEMG recordings and assess motor pool activation. The latter aspect is especially important for understanding impairments of the mechanisms of neural controllers rather than malfunction of individual muscles. Although sEMG study is an important tool in both clinical research and neurorehabilitation, the results of a survey on the clinical relevance of sEMG in a typical department of pediatric rehabilitation highlighted its limited clinical usage. We believe that this is due to limited knowledge of the sEMG and its neuromuscular underpinnings by many physiotherapists, as a result of lack of emphasis on this important methodology in the courses taught in physical therapy schools. The lack of reference databases or benchmarking software for sEMG analysis may also contribute to the limited clinical usage. Despite the existence of educational and technical barriers to a widespread use of, sEMG does provide important tools for planning and assessment of rehabilitation treatments for children with cerebral palsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germana Cappellini
- Laboratory of Neuromotor Physiology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Department of Pediatric Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Carla Assenza
- Department of Pediatric Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Libernini
- Department of Pediatric Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Morelli
- Department of Pediatric Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Lacquaniti
- Laboratory of Neuromotor Physiology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, Centre of Space Bio-medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Yury Ivanenko
- Laboratory of Neuromotor Physiology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
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Campanini I, Disselhorst-Klug C, Rymer WZ, Merletti R. Surface EMG in Clinical Assessment and Neurorehabilitation: Barriers Limiting Its Use. Front Neurol 2020; 11:934. [PMID: 32982942 PMCID: PMC7492208 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This article addresses the potential clinical value of techniques based on surface electromyography (sEMG) in rehabilitation medicine with specific focus on neurorehabilitation. Applications in exercise and sport pathophysiology, in movement analysis, in ergonomics and occupational medicine, and in a number of related fields are also considered. The contrast between the extensive scientific literature in these fields and the limited clinical applications is discussed. The "barriers" between research findings and their application are very broad, and are longstanding, cultural, educational, and technical. Cultural barriers relate to the general acceptance and use of the concept of objective measurement in a clinical setting and its role in promoting Evidence Based Medicine. Wide differences between countries exist in appropriate training in the use of such quantitative measurements in general, and in electrical measurements in particular. These differences are manifest in training programs, in degrees granted, and in academic/research career opportunities. Educational barriers are related to the background in mathematics and physics for rehabilitation clinicians, leading to insufficient basic concepts of signal interpretation, as well as to the lack of a common language with rehabilitation engineers. Technical barriers are being overcome progressively, but progress is still impacted by the lack of user-friendly equipment, insufficient market demand, gadget-like devices, relatively high equipment price and a pervasive lack of interest by manufacturers. Despite the recommendations provided by the 20-year old EU project on "Surface EMG for Non-Invasive Assessment of Muscles (SENIAM)," real international standards are still missing and there is minimal international pressure for developing and applying such standards. The need for change in training and teaching is increasingly felt in the academic world, but is much less perceived in the health delivery system and clinical environments. The rapid technological progress in the fields of sensor and measurement technology (including sEMG), assistive devices, and robotic rehabilitation, has not been driven by clinical demands. Our assertion is that the most important and urgent interventions concern enhanced education, more effective technology transfer, and increased academic opportunities for physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and kinesiologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Campanini
- LAM-Motion Analysis Laboratory, Neuromotor and Rehabilitation Department, San Sebastiano Hospital, Correggio, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Catherine Disselhorst-Klug
- Department of Rehabilitation & Prevention Engineering, Institute of Applied Medical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - William Z. Rymer
- Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, Single Motor Unit Laboratory, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Roberto Merletti
- Laboratory for Engineering of the Neuromuscular System (LISiN), Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
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Zhang W, Zhang S, Zhu M, Tang J, Zhao X, Wang Y, Liu Y, Zhang L, Xu H. Changes of Structural Brain Network Following Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Children With Bilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:617548. [PMID: 33520901 PMCID: PMC7844328 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.617548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (BSCP) is the most common subtype of cerebral palsy (CP), which is characterized by various motor and cognitive impairments, as well as emotional instability. However, the neural basis of these problems and how repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can make potential impacts on the disrupted structural brain network in BSCP remain unclear. This study was aimed to explore the topological characteristics of the structural brain network in BSCP following the treatment of rTMS. Methods: Fourteen children with BSCP underwent 4 weeks of TMS and 15 matched healthy children (HC) were enrolled. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data were acquired from children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy before treatment (CP1), children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy following treatment (CP2) and HC. The graph theory analysis was applied to construct the structural brain network. Then nodal clustering coefficient (C i ) and shortest path length (L i ) were measured and compared among groups. Results: Brain regions with significant group differences in C i were located in the left precental gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, calcarine fissure, cuneus, lingual gyrus, postcentral gyrus, inferior parietal gyri, angular gyrus, precuneus, paracentral lobule and the right inferior frontal gyrus (triangular part), insula, posterior cingulate gyrus, precuneus, paracentral lobule, pallidum. In addition, significant differences were detected in the L i of the left precental gyrus, lingual gyrus, superior occipital gyrus, middle occipital gyrus, superior parietal gyrus, precuneus and the right median cingulate gyrus, posterior cingulate gyrus, hippocampus, putamen, thalamus. Post hoc t-test revealed that the CP2 group exhibited increased C i in the right inferior frontal gyrus, pallidum and decreased L i in the right putamen, thalamus when compared with the CP1 group. Conclusion: Significant differences of node-level metrics were found in various brain regions of BSCP, which indicated a disruption in structural brain connectivity in BSCP. The alterations of the structural brain network provided a basis for understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of motor and cognitive impairments in BSCP. Moreover, the right inferior frontal gyrus, putamen, thalamus could potentially be biomarkers for predicting the efficacy of TMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shang Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Zhu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian Tang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoke Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuting Liu
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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