Exploring the Experiences and Perceptions of Pediatric Therapists who use Functional Electrical Stimulation in their Clinical Practice

Aim: This study aimed to 1) explore the experiences and perceptions of pediatric physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) who use FES in their practice, and 2) provide recommendations for overcoming common barriers to FES implementation.Methods: Eight Canadian PTs (n = 6) and OTs (n = 2), who use FES in their pediatric practice, participated in semi-structured interviews. Open-ended questions queried the motivation, goals, perceived benefits and challenges, and facilitators and barriers of FES use. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Interpretive description was used to analyze the transcripts.Results: One overarching theme emerged: FES is a useful adjunct to therapy for certain pediatric clients. Four sub-themes were identified: Participants described 1) motivation for incorporating FES into clinical practice, which led to 2) experiences with the implementation of FES in clinical practice, including strategies for overcoming implementation barriers. These experiences influenced 3) how FES is used in practice (e.g. for which populations and therapeutic goals), and informed 4) recommendations for pediatric FES practice (e.g. more educational opportunities, research, and access for families).Conclusions: Pediatric PTs and OTs who use FES in clinical practice view FES as a valuable adjunct, especially for motor training to improve functional skills.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation of Upper Limbs in Patients With Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to assess the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on the upper limbs of patients with cerebral palsy.

DESIGN

We searched PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Scopus databases for randomized controlled trials examining the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on the upper limbs of children with cerebral palsy.

RESULTS

Eight randomized controlled trials ( N = 294) were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with traditional physical therapy, sensorimotor training and task-oriented training, constraint-induced movement therapy, dynamic bracing, and conventional robot-assisted therapy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation in combination with these therapies resulted in significantly greater functional scale scores (standardized mean difference = 0.80; 95% confidence interval = 0.54 to 1.06), muscle strength of upper limbs (standardized mean difference = 0.57; 95% confidence interval = 0.25 to 0.88), and spasticity of upper limbs (relative risk = 2.53; 95% confidence interval = 1.46 to 4.39; standardized mean difference = -0.18; 95% confidence interval = -0.29 to -0.06) but did not improve the wrist range of motion (standardized mean difference = 0.43; 95% confidence interval = -0.04 to 0.91). In addition, the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on functional scale scores remained after 3-mo follow-up (standardized mean difference = 0.68; 95% confidence interval = 0.16 to 1.2).

CONCLUSIONS

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation effectively improved hand function, muscle strength, and spasticity in patients with cerebral palsy.

Robot-Assisted Ankle Rehabilitation Using the Hybrid Assistive Limb for Children after Equinus Surgery: A Report of Two Cases

After equinus corrective surgery, repetitive exercises for ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion are crucial during rehabilitation. The single-joint Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL-SJ) is an advanced exoskeletal robotic device with a control system that uses bioelectrical signals to assist joint motion in real time and demonstrates joint torque assistance with the wearer's voluntary movement. We present two cases of robot-assisted ankle rehabilitation after equinus surgery using the HAL-SJ in children. Case 1 was an 8-year-old boy, whereas case 2 was a 6-year-old boy. When they were allowed to walk without braces, training with the HAL-SJ was performed postoperatively for 20 min per session a total of eight times (2-4 sessions per week). Assessments were performed before and after HAL-SJ training. During gait analysis, case 1 had improved joint angles during the stance phase on the operated side; however, case 2 had improved joint angles during the stance and swing phases. The co-activation index values of the medial gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles, which were high before training, decreased after training and approached the standard value. The HAL-SJ may provide systematic feedback regarding voluntary ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion and is considered to have motor learning effects.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for motor recovery in pediatric neurological conditions: a scoping review

AIM

To explore the breadth of pediatric neurological conditions for which neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been studied.

METHOD

Databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Embase) were searched from 2000 to 2020, using the search terms 'neuromuscular electrical stimulation' OR 'functional electrical stimulation' with at least one of the words 'pediatric OR child OR children OR adolescent', and without the words 'dysphagia OR implanted OR enuresis OR constipation'. Articles focused on adults or individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) were excluded.

RESULTS

Thirty-five studies met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 353 pediatric participants (293 unique participants; mean age 7y 4mo, range 1wk-38y). NMES was applied in a range of pediatric conditions other than CP, including stroke, spinal cord injury, myelomeningocele, scoliosis, congenital clubfoot, obstetric brachial plexus injury, genetic neuromuscular diseases, and other neuromuscular conditions causing weakness.

INTERPRETATION

All 35 studies concluded that NMES was well-tolerated and most studies suggested that NMES could augment traditional therapy methods to improve strength. Outcome measurements were heterogeneous. Further research on NMES with larger, randomized studies will help clarify its potential to improve physiology and mobility in pediatric patients with neuromuscular conditions. What this paper adds Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) appears to be tolerated by pediatric patients. NMES shows potential for augmenting recovery in pediatric patients with a range of rehabilitation needs.

Evaluation of Individualized Functional Electrical Stimulation-Induced Acute Changes during Walking: A Case Series in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) walking interventions have demonstrated improvements to gait parameters; however, studies were often confined to stimulation of one or two muscle groups. Increased options such as number of muscle groups targeted, timing of stimulation delivery, and level of stimulation are needed to address subject-specific gait deviations. We aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of using a FES system with increased stimulation options during walking in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Three physical therapists designed individualized stimulation programs for six children with CP to target participant-specific gait deviations. Stimulation settings (pulse duration and current) were tuned to each participant. Participants donned our custom FES system that utilized gait phase detection to control stimulation to lower extremity muscle groups and walked on a treadmill at a self-selected speed. Motion capture data were collected during walking with and without the individualized stimulation program. Eight gait metrics and associated timing were compared between walking conditions. The prescribed participant-specific stimulation programs induced significant change towards typical gait in at least one metric for each participant with one iteration of FES-walking. FES systems with increased stimulation options have the potential to allow the physical therapist to better target the individual's gait deviations than a one size fits all device.

Objective Signs of Foot Deformities in Children with Spastic Form of Cerebral Paralysis: Justification of Individual Approach to Footwear Support

Relevance. Foot deformities are the most common locomotor pathology in children with infantile cerebral paralysis. At the same time many children suffering from this pathology wear standard shoes that do not take into account the individual foot anatomy. Purpose of the study — to justify the expedience of individual approach to orthopaedic support for children with infantile cerebral paralysis. Materials and methods. The authors examined 220 feet in 110 patients aging from 3 to 18 years: 62 patients with spastic form of infantile cerebral paralysis and 48 children who were examined during periodic screening at general education institutions (control group). Clinical examination methods, computerized plantography and podometry by flatbed foot scanning (ventrally, posteriorly, medially) in standing position were used in the present study. Results. Statistically significant variances (p*0.005) were obtained for 8 indicators of foot deformity in three planes in children with infantile cerebral paralysis as compared to the norm, as well as differences between the groups of patients with varying degree of disorders in gross motor functions. The authors established pathological foot deformities in children with infantile cerebral paralysis; statistically significant variances in types and degrees of these disorders for patient groups with different levels of gross motor functions disorders; distinctiveness of foot deformities within each of the groups. Conclusion. Objectively instrumental method was used to identify the main components of foot deformities in patients with infantile cerebral paralysis with preservation and realization of walking capability: loss of height of longitudinal arches, midfoot pronation and hindfoot valgus, hallux valgus. Increased elevation of longitudinal arches (cavus foot), midfoot supination and hindfoot varus are rarer components of deformities occurring more often in patients with severer forms of the pathology. Strong variation in the spread of foot anatomy parameters observed within different groups of motor dysfunctions indicates the expediency of individual approach to footwear recommendations: standard, less or more complex orthopaedic shoes. Implementation of obtained data into the clinical practice requires additional series of biomechanical trials aimed at elaboration of criteria for recommendations and efficiency evaluation of various footwear types that take into account not only specifics of foot anatomy but also its statodynamic function as well as the level of gross motor functions of a particular patient. 

Treatment and re/habilitation of children with cerebral palsy in India: a scoping review

AIM

To describe the nature and extent of the literature addressing the medical and its re/habilitative management of cerebral palsy (CP) in India.

METHOD

Online worldwide scholarly databases, research hosting directories, Indian publishing houses, and grey literature were used to identify papers published between 2005 and 2016. We retrieved 144 English language papers that described the medical and rehabilitative management of Indian children with CP.

RESULTS

Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research designs are published by a variety of health care professionals in India. Intervention (45%) and observational studies (30%) predominate. Outcomes were categorized using the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework, with body structure and function most reported and activity/participation least reported; 57% described its re/habilitation interventions and 43% were medical interventions.

INTERPRETATION

There is a substantial body of CP research in India that focuses on interventions to reduce impairments, with minimal attention given to activities and participation, environmental, and personal factors. Twenty-six per cent of studies are published in what appear to be 'predatory journals'. This paper serves as an alert about the presence of 'predatory journals' in medicine that may introduce publication bias, which can distort results reported in those studies individually, or from conclusions drawn in reviews that contain those studies.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

Cerebral palsy research in India focuses on interventions to reduce impairment. Activities, participation, and environmental factors are minimally addressed. Quantitative studies are more common than qualitative studies. Many Indian studies are published in journals that are not indexed in worldwide databases of scholarly journals.

Kinematic and Functional Gait Changes After the Utilization of a Foot Drop Stimulator in Pediatrics

Foot drop is one of the most common secondary conditions associated with hemiplegia post stroke and cerebral palsy (CP) in children, and is characterized by the inability to lift the foot (dorsiflexion) about the ankle. This investigation focuses on children and adolescents diagnosed with brain injury and aims to evaluate the orthotic and therapeutic effects due to continuous use of a foot drop stimulator (FDS). Seven children (10 ± 3.89 years) with foot drop and hemiplegia secondary to brain injury (stroke or CP) were evaluated at baseline and after 3 months of FDS usage during community ambulation. Primary outcome measures included using mechanistic (joint kinematics, toe displacement, temporal-spatial asymmetry), and functional gait parameters (speed, step length, time) to evaluate the orthotic and therapeutic effects. There was a significant correlation between spatial asymmetry and speed without FDS at 3 months (r = 0.76, p < 0.05, df = 5) and no correlation between temporal asymmetry and speed for all conditions. The results show orthotic effects including significant increase in toe displacement (p < 0.025 N = 7) during the swing phase of gait while using the FDS. A positive correlation exists between toe displacement and speed (with FDS at 3 months: r = 0.62, p > 0.05, without FDS at 3 months: r = 0.44, p > 0.05). The results indicate an orthotic effect of increased dorsiflexion and toe displacement during swing with the use of the FDS in children with hemiplegia. Further, the study suggests that there could be a potential long-term effect of increased dorsiflexion during swing with continuous use of FDS.

Gait synergetic neuromuscular control in children with cerebral palsy at different gross motor function classification system levels

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neural developmental disease featured with gait abnormalities. CP gait assessment is usually performed with the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) in clinics, which does not involve a thorough assessment of neuromuscular control. To understand how the neuromuscular control disorders lead to gait abnormalities, we explored the relationship between GMFCS levels and the gait synergetic control characteristics in this study. In total, 18 children with CP at different GMFCS levels (mean age: 4.41±1.30 yr) and 8 age-matched typically developing (TD) children (mean age: 4.43±1.36 yr) were recruited to perform a straight walking task, and the surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals from eight lower limb muscles on each side and accelerometer data were collected. A nonnegative matrix factorization method was applied to obtain the muscle synergies from the sEMG signals. Next, synergy structures were projected onto the basic gait synergies to test the completeness of those structures. Subsequently, synergy activation parameters, including total activation duration and coactivation index, were compared across the participants. This study showed that children with CP at GMFCS levels I and II and the TD children had similar synergy structures, but the synergy activations of these children with CP were different from those of TD children. In addition, similar to previous research, we also found that children with CP at GMFCS level III could not access all four basic synergies on both sides. Based on the synergy analysis results, a gait assessment paradigm was proposed to facilitate the clinical CP gait evaluation.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Understanding the mechanism of gait abnormality has important clinical significance for the diagnosis, prognosis, and possible treatment of motor dysfunction in children with cerebral palsy (CP). In this study, the comparisons of the lower limb muscle synergies among different groups of children with CP at different Gross Motor Function Classification System levels might provide some new insight into the mechanism underlying the gait disorder. In particular, the discrepancies of gait synergy structure and activation patterns across the study groups may indicate different neurophysiological and pathological attributes in different groups of patients.

Functional Task Training Combined With Electrical Stimulation Improves Motor Capacity in Children With Unilateral Cerebral Palsy: A Single-Subject Design

PURPOSE

Reduced propulsive capability can impact negatively on mobility activities of many children with spastic unilateral cerebral palsy (SUCP). This study investigated the effect of a task-oriented training program combined with functional electrical stimulation (FES) on the motor capacity of children with SUCP.

METHODS

Single-case A-B design with follow-up. Gross motor function and biomechanical walking data of 4 children with SUCP were measured repeatedly across the baseline, intervention, and follow-up phases. Intervention was a task-oriented training program combined with FES applied on the gastrocnemius. Outcome variables included gait speed, impulsive torque, and ankle/hip power generation ratio. The 2-SD band and celeration line methods compared outcomes among the baseline, intervention, and follow-up periods.

RESULTS

One child improved walking speed. All children improved impulsive torque and ankle/hip power ratio of the affected leg. All children improved gross motor function.

CONCLUSION

The intervention improved children's propulsive capability and positively influenced their mobility.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) as an adjuvant therapy to improve gross motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, PEDro and Scopus were searched. We included randomized controlled trials examining the effects of NMES combined with other therapies on gross motor function as assessed by the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and its functional dimensions. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted data, assessed the risk of bias (PEDro) and quality of the evidence (GRADE).

RESULTS

Six randomized controlled trials (pooled n=174) were included in the meta-analysis. NMES combined with other therapies presented medium effect size to improve gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy in comparison with conventional physical therapy or neurodevelopmental therapy. Our sensitivity analysis showed that NMES combined with other therapies was effective to improve GMFM-sitting and standing dimensions but not GMFM-walking dimension.

CONCLUSION

Low-quality evidence suggests that NMES may be used as adjuvant therapy to improve sitting and standing dimensions of GMFM in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

Evidence-based Approach to Physical Therapy in Cerebral Palsy

Physiotherapy plays a key role in the management of cerebral palsy (CP) and comprises of various therapeutic interventions in enhancing the various physiological and functional outcomes. Though physiotherapy is used widely and recommended by all members of the health-care team, the effectiveness of physiotherapy is inconsistent. The objective of this review was to summarize and evaluate the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions in children with CP. PubMed and Cochrane database were searched from January 2006 to April 2017 using the Medical Subject Heading and general keywords. Only systematic reviews and meta-analysis on PT interventions in children diagnosed with CP were included. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality and retrieved the results. Thirty-four systematic reviews were identified that distinguished 15 different interventions. Moderate evidence of effectiveness was found for constraint-induced movement therapy for upper limb recovery, goal-directed/functional training, and gait training to improve gait speed. Conflicting evidence was found for the role of exercises on strength training and cardiorespiratory training. Intervention such as neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT) was found ineffective. This review suffer from limitations such as including reviews that had small sample size and that had considered heterogeneity of treatment interventions. Hence, the effectiveness of most PT interventions is found to be limited. On the basis of the present evidence, functional goal-oriented approaches are found to be effective and future research is required to determine the best ways to improve functional outcomes in children with CP.

High-risk follow-up: Early intervention and rehabilitation

Early detection of childhood disability is possible using clinically available tools and procedures. Early detection of disability enables early intervention that maximizes the child's outcome, prevents the onset of complications, and supports parents. In this chapter, first we summarize the best-available tools for accurately predicting major childhood disabilities early, including autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, developmental coordination disorder, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, hearing impairment, and visual impairment. Second, we provide an overview of the preclinical and clinical evidence for inducing neuroplasticity following brain injury. Third, we describe and appraise the evidence base for: (a) training-based interventions that induce neuroplasticity, (b) rehabilitation interventions not focused on inducing neuroplasticity, (c) complementary and alternative interventions, (d) environmental enrichment interventions in the neonatal intensive care and community settings, and (e) parent-child interaction interventions in the neonatal intensive care and community settings. Fourth, we explore emergent treatment options at clinical trial, designed to induce brain repair following injury. In conclusion, early diagnosis enables early intervention, which improves child and parent outcomes. We now know which interventions provide the biggest gains and the information can be used to help inform parental decision making when designing treatment plans for their children.

A heel-strike real-time auditory feedback device to promote motor learning in children who have cerebral palsy: a pilot study to test device accuracy and feasibility to use a music and dance-based learning paradigm

Background

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a developmental disorder of movement and posture that occurs due to damage to the developing nervous system. As part of therapy, wearable sensors that trigger interactive feedback may provide multi-sensory guidance and motivation. A prototype of a heel-strike real-time feedback system has been developed which records the number of heel strikes during gait and indicates successful heel contact through real-time auditory feedback. The first aim of this feasibility study was to test the prototype accuracy.Since the end user for this device is a child, the device should be esthetically appealing and sufficiently motivating for children to perform repetitive challenging therapeutic movements. The second aim of this study was to collect feedback from the subjects with regard to the device usability and understand if the bell sound used as feedback used was motivating enough for children to continue using the prototype. This would help us in developing the next generation of the device.

Methods

The prototype was tested with typically developing children and children who have CP. The accuracy in detecting heel strikes was calculated. As part of the study, the subjects were also asked questions to test the device compliance and acceptability of the musical beats with the pediatric population.

Results

The device accuracy in identifying heel strikes is 97.44% (95% CI 96.31, 98.88%). The subjects did not show any hesitation to put on the device and the sound feedback motivated them to move. Based on this pilot study, a minimum age limit of 5 years is appropriate and the intervention study should be conducted for no more than 30 min per week.

Conclusions

The pilot study showed that a main study can be conducted to test auditory feedback as an intervention to promote motor learning in children who have cerebral palsy. No adverse event or safety issues were reported in the feasibility study.

Functional electrical stimulation of the ankle dorsiflexors during walking in spastic cerebral palsy: a systematic review

AIM

To assess the effect of functional electrical stimulation (FES) of ankle dorsiflexors in children and adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) during walking.

METHOD

A systematic review was performed using the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine methodology and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Six databases were searched for studies applying interventions to patients aged younger than 20 years. Outcomes were classified according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

RESULTS

Seven hundred and eighty abstracts were found, 35 articles were fully screened, and 14 articles were used for analysis. Only five articles (three studies) were of level I to III evidence. At ICF participation and activity level, there is limited evidence for a decrease in self-reported frequency of toe-drag and falls. At ICF body structure and function level, there is clear evidence (I-III) that FES increased (active) ankle dorsiflexion angle, strength, and improved selective motor control, balance, and gait kinematics, but decreased walking speed. Adverse events include skin irritation, toleration, and acceptation issues.

INTERPRETATION

There are insufficient data supporting functional gain by FES on activity and participation level. However, evidence points towards a role for FES as an alternative to orthoses in children with spastic CP.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

Effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES) point towards a potential role as an alternative to orthoses for patients with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Some evidence for a decrease in self-reported frequency of toe-drag and falls with the use of FES in spastic CP. Limited evidence for improvements in activity and participation in patients with spastic CP using FES.

Treatment of Cerebral Palsy with Stem Cells: A Report of 17 Cases

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a disabling condition that affects a child's life and his/her family irreversibly. It is usually a non-progressive condition but improvement over time is rarely seen. The condition can be due to prenatal hypoxia, metabolic, genetic, infectious, traumatic or other causes. It is therefore a heterogeneous group that results in functional motor disability associated with different degrees of cognitive abnormalities. There are no treatments that can cure or even improve CP and the best available approach aims at functional, social and nutritional supportive care and counseling. In this paper, we report 17 sequential patients with CP treated with intrathecal administration of Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells (BMMC). All patients had an uneventful post-injection course with 73% of the evaluable patients treated having a good response using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). The average improvement was 1.3 levels on the GMFCS with cognitive improvements as well.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation-assisted gait increases muscle strength and volume in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy

AIM

To determine if neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) applied to the ankle dorsiflexors during gait improves muscle volume and strength in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP).

METHOD

Thirty-two children (15 females, 17 males; mean age 10y 8mo, age range 5y 5mo-18y 1mo) with unilateral spastic CP and a Gross Motor Function Classification System of level I or level II were randomly assigned to either the 8-week daily NMES treatment group or control group (usual or conventional treatments). Outcomes at week 8 (post-NMES) and week 14 (carryover) included magnetic resonance imaging for muscle volumes (tibialis anterior, anterior compartment, and gastrocnemius), strength (hand-held dynamometry for isometric dorsiflexion strength and heel raises for functional strength), and clinical measures for lower limb selective motor control.

RESULTS

At week 8, the treatment group demonstrated significantly (p<0.05) increased muscle volumes for tibialis anterior, anterior compartment, medial and lateral gastrocnemius, and dorsiflexion strength not only when compared to their baseline values but also when compared to the control group at week 8. At week 14, both tibialis anterior and lateral gastrocnemius volumes in the treatment group remained significantly increased when compared to their baseline values. However, only lateral gastrocnemius volumes had significantly greater values when compared to the control group at week 14. There were no between group differences in the clinical measures for lower limb selective motor control at week 8 and 14.

INTERPRETATION

Eight weeks of daily NMES-assisted gait increases muscle volume and strength of the stimulated ankle dorsiflexors in children with unilateral spastic CP. These changes are use-dependent and do not carry over after the 8-week treatment period. Gastrocnemius volume also increased post-treatment with carryover at week 14.

The orthotic and therapeutic effects following daily community applied functional electrical stimulation in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy: a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine the orthotic and therapeutic effects of daily community applied FES to the ankle dorsiflexors in a randomized controlled trial. We hypothesized that children receiving the eight-week FES treatment would demonstrate orthotic and therapeutic effects in gait and spasticity as well as better community mobility and balance skills compared to controls not receiving FES.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial involved 32 children (mean age 10 yrs 3 mo, SD 3 yrs 3 mo; 15 females, 17 males) with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy and a Gross Motor Function Classification System of I or II randomly assigned to a FES treatment group (n = 16) or control group (n = 16). The treatment group received eight weeks of daily FES (four hours per day, six days per week) and the control group received usual orthotic and therapy treatment. Children were assessed at baseline, post FES treatment (eight weeks) and follow-up (six weeks after post FES treatment). Outcome measures included lower limb gait mechanics, clinical measures of gastrocnemius spasticity and community mobility balance skills.

RESULTS

Participants used the FES for a mean daily use of 6.2 (SD 3.2) hours over the eight-week intervention period. With FES, the treatment group demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) increase in initial contact ankle angle (mean difference 11.9° 95% CI 6.8° to 17.1°), maximum dorsiflexion ankle angle in swing (mean difference 8.1° 95% CI 1.8° to 14.4°) normalized time in stance (mean difference 0.27 95% CI 0.05 to 0.49) and normalized step length (mean difference 0.06 95% CI 0.003 to 0.126) post treatment compared to the control group. Without FES, the treatment group significantly increased community mobility balance scores at post treatment (mean difference 8.3 units 95% CI 3.2 to 13.4 units) and at follow-up (mean difference 8.9 units 95% CI 3.8 to 13.9 units) compared to the control group. The treatment group also had significantly reduced gastrocnemius spasticity at post treatment (p = 0.038) and at follow-up (dynamic range of motion mean difference 6.9°, 95% CI 0.4° to 13.6°; p = 0.035) compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

This study documents an orthotic effect with improvement in lower limb mechanics during gait. Therapeutic effects i.e. without FES were observed in clinical measures of gastrocnemius spasticity, community mobility and balance skills in the treatment group at post treatment and follow-up. This study supports the use of FES applied during daily walking activities to improve gait mechanics as well as to address community mobility issues among children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Register ACTRN12614000949684 . Registered 4 September 2014.

Daily functional electrical stimulation during everyday walking activities improves performance and satisfaction in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The aim of this paper is to determine whether daily functional electrical stimulation (FES) is effective in improving self-perceptions of individually identified mobility performance problems in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (USCP). We hypothesized that children receiving 8 weeks of FES treatment would have higher scores for self-perceived performance and satisfaction on the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) for individually identified priorities than children not receiving FES.

METHODS

Thirty-two children (mean age 10 y 8 mo SD 3y 3mo) with USCP and a Gross Motor Function Classification System I or II were randomly assigned to the FES treatment group (8 weeks of daily FES) and control group (usual treatments). Participants were assessed at baseline (week 0), post treatment (week 8) and 6 weeks follow-up (week 14). The primary outcome measures were self-perceived scores for performance and satisfaction of child- and parent-identified priorities assessed using the COPM post treatment and at follow-up. The secondary outcome measures were the categorization of the performance problems from the COPM and self-report responses according to the International Classification of Functioning Child and Youth version (ICF-CY). This was clinically important because an understanding of mobility performance problems for children with USCP is needed for family-centred service planning.

RESULTS

Performance scores (mean difference 1.6, 95 % CI 0.1 to 3.2, p = 0.034) and satisfaction scores post treatment (mean difference 2.4, 95 % CI 0.5 to 4.2, p = 0.004) were significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group. There were no significant differences between the groups for performance scores at follow up, however there was a significant difference between the groups for satisfaction (mean difference 1.9, 95 % CI 0.1 to 3.8, p = 0.03) in favour of the treatment group. Priorities were identified across all levels of the ICF-CY but were most commonly identified in the activity and participation domains of the ICF-CY (79.5 %).

CONCLUSIONS

Daily FES applied during everyday walking is effective in addressing self-perceptions of individually identified priorities by improving the performance and satisfaction of functional skills after treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Register ACTRN12614000949684. Registered 4 September 2014.

Electrical Stimulation Following Botulinum Toxin A in Children With Spastic Diplegia: A Within-Participant Randomized Pilot Study

AIMS

To determine whether electrical stimulation (ES) following botulinum toxin A (BoNT/A) injection increases passive extensibility of the hamstring muscles in children with spastic diplegia.

METHODS

Six children undergoing bilateral BoNT/A injections to the hamstrings participated in this within-participant single blind randomized controlled trial. One leg of each child was randomised to the experimental condition and the other to the control condition. The experimental leg received daily stretch and ES to the hamstrings for 12 weeks, while the control leg received only daily stretch. The primary outcome was passive hamstring extensibility reflected by popliteal angle measured with a standardised torque. Secondary outcomes were two goniometric measures of popliteal angle using the Modified Tardieu Scale (R1 and R2), and parents' perceptions of treatment effectiveness. Outcomes were measured at baseline, 4 weeks, 12 weeks and 6 months.

RESULTS

The mean between-group difference (95% CI) at 4 weeks was 2° (-2 to 5) for popliteal angle measured with a standardised torque, favouring the experimental leg. Tardieu results for R1 and R2 were 0° (-4 to 3) and 7° (0 to 14), respectively.

CONCLUSION

ES does not improve passive extensibility of the hamstring muscles at 4 weeks over any possible effects of BoNT/A alone.

Effect of functional electrical stimulation on activity in children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review

PURPOSE

To determine whether functional electrical stimulation (FES) is effective and whether it is more effective than activity training alone.

METHOD

MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science, and PEDro databases were searched for randomized trials. Studies of randomized trials were included if the participants were children (<18 years old) with spastic cerebral palsy, who underwent a program of FES that involved electrical stimulation during practice of an activity. Measures of activity that best reflected the activity trained were examined.

RESULTS

Five randomized trials were included. Three trials reported statistically significant between-group differences in favor of FES compared with no FES. Two trials reported no statistically significant between-group differences of FES compared with activity training alone.

CONCLUSION

The available evidence suggests that FES is more effective than no FES but that it has a similar effect as activity training alone in cerebral palsy.

Early prediction of cerebral palsy after neonatal intensive care using motor development trajectories in infancy

Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients are at high risk for developmental disabilities such as cerebral palsy (CP). Early identification of CP is essential to effective rehabilitation, but diagnosis is often delayed, especially in preterm infants. We hypothesized that through the longitudinal evaluation of motor trajectories in the NICU follow-up clinic, we could distinguish infants who develop CP by 3 years of age.

STUDY DESIGN AND SUBJECTS

This was a retrospective study of 606 patients in the NICU Follow-up Clinic at Vanderbilt University with birth weight < 1500g or a diagnosis of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.

OUTCOMES MEASURES

Assessments included neurologic exams, the Developmental Assessment of Young Children (DAYC), the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) and the Gross Motor Function Classification Scale.

RESULTS

A decrease in DAYC scores between 6 and 12 months was present in preterm and term infants later diagnosed with CP, but not in children without CP (-23 vs. +1.5, p<0.001). DAYC score decreases in infancy were highly predictive of later CP (p<0.001). BSID scores quantified severe motor delays but did not add to prediction of CP diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Standardized assessments of motor milestones quantitatively predict the risk of CP in former NICU patients by 12 months, allowing for timely diagnosis, counseling and therapy in high-risk infants.

A systematic review of interventions for children with cerebral palsy: state of the evidence

AIM

The aim of this study was to describe systematically the best available intervention evidence for children with cerebral palsy (CP).

METHOD

This study was a systematic review of systematic reviews. The following databases were searched: CINAHL, Cochrane Library, DARE, EMBASE, Google Scholar MEDLINE, OTSeeker, PEDro, PsycBITE, PsycINFO, and speechBITE. Two independent reviewers determined whether studies met the inclusion criteria. These were that (1) the study was a systematic review or the next best available; (2) it was a medical/allied health intervention; and (3) that more than 25% of participants were children with CP. Interventions were coded using the Oxford Levels of Evidence; GRADE; Evidence Alert Traffic Light; and the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health.

RESULTS

Overall, 166 articles met the inclusion criteria (74% systematic reviews) across 64 discrete interventions seeking 131 outcomes. Of the outcomes assessed, 16% (21 out of 131) were graded 'do it' (green go); 58% (76 out of 131) 'probably do it' (yellow measure); 20% (26 out of 131) 'probably do not do it' (yellow measure); and 6% (8 out of 131) 'do not do it' (red stop). Green interventions included anticonvulsants, bimanual training, botulinum toxin, bisphosphonates, casting, constraint-induced movement therapy, context-focused therapy, diazepam, fitness training, goal-directed training, hip surveillance, home programmes, occupational therapy after botulinum toxin, pressure care, and selective dorsal rhizotomy. Most (70%) evidence for intervention was lower level (yellow) while 6% was ineffective (red).

INTERPRETATION

Evidence supports 15 green light interventions. All yellow light interventions should be accompanied by a sensitive outcome measure to monitor progress and red light interventions should be discontinued since alternatives exist.

Surface EMG analysis and changes in gait following electrical stimulation of quadriceps femoris and tibialis anterior in children with spastic cerebral palsy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical feasibility and effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) therapy of quadriceps femoris (QF) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles on improving gait and functional outcomes in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP).

METHOD

Ten children with spastic diplegic/hemiplegic CP who were in the age group of 7 to 14 years recruited from a rehabilitation institute were randomly assigned either to a control group or a NMES group. Both groups obtained conventional physiotherapy and muscle strengthening exercises. The NMES group in addition received surface electrical stimulation to QF and TA muscles for four weeks duration.

RESULTS

The NMES group showed significant improvements as compared to the control group in walking speed (mean difference: 7.83 meters per min, 95% confidence interval: 3.13 to 12.53, p&#60;0.01) and cadence (mean difference: 23.33 steps per min, 95% confidence interval: 5.90 to 40.77, p&#60;0.01). The NMES group also showed significant reduction in physiological cost index of walking or PCI (mean difference: -1.32 beats per meter, 95% confidence interval: -1.83 to -0.80, p&#60;0.001) indicating greater energy-efficiency of walking. No significant changes were seen in EMG parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study suggests that NMES therapy together with conventional physiotherapy more efficiently improves walking ability and functional outcomes as compared to conventional physiotherapy alone in children with spastic CP.

Tolerability and effectiveness of a neuroprosthesis for the treatment of footdrop in pediatric patients with hemiparetic cerebral palsy

OBJECTIVE

To assess the tolerability and efficacy of a commercially available footdrop neuroprosthesis for treatment of footdrop in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy.

DESIGN

A prospective, observational pilot study.

SETTING

Marshfield Clinic, Department of Physical Medicine.

PARTICIPANTS

Ten children, ages 7-12 years, with hemiparetic cerebral palsy, who use an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) for correction of footdrop.

METHODS

Children replaced their AFO with a transcutaneous peroneal (fibular) nerve stimulation neuroprosthesis for 3 months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The ability to tolerate fitting and programming of the device, device-recorded wear time, a daily-use diary, satisfaction survey, and secondary measures, including passive range of motion and gait laboratory measurement of gait velocity and ankle kinematics.

RESULTS

All 10 participants (100%) tolerated fitting and programming of the neuroprosthesis and wore the device for 6 weeks. Seven of 10 (70%) wore the device for the entire 3-month study period; 6 of 10 (60%) continued to use the device after study completion. Wear time varied from 2 to 11 hours per day. Tolerability and satisfaction were high; although 6 participants complained of "size" and "bulkiness" of the device, and 2 reported skin irritation. Gait velocity increased in 5 subjects (50%). Seven participants (70%) preferred the neuroprosthesis to their AFO.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of the preliminary evidence suggests that electrical stimulation by a footdrop neuroprosthesis is tolerated well by children and is effective for the treatment of footdrop in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy. Commercially available neuroprostheses may offer a promising alternative treatment option for children with footdrop.

International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health in children with cerebral palsy

PURPOSE

We intended to describe how concepts from recent models of disability have been studied for evaluation of children with cerebral palsy (CP) and their clinical implications.

METHOD

We revised studies that focused on the components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in children with CP.

RESULTS

Researchers have reported that children with CP exhibit impairments in various body functions/structures, limitations in functional activities performance and experience poorer participation outcomes than their typical peers. Moreover, it has been showed that participation of children with CP was affected by environmental factors.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, evaluation and rehabilitation processes should be focused on the quality of life improvement by emphasizing what a child can and wants to execute within the environment. Also, environmental factors should be recognized so that barriers could be minimized and adaptations to the environment achieved. However, few studies have verified the interrelationship between contextual factors and the functioning and disability domains in children with CP. This would allow us to know about approaches specifically designed for these children's needs.