Clinical prognostic messages from a systematic review on cerebral palsy

Parents' lived experience of early risk assessment for cerebral palsy in their young child using a mobile application after discharge from hospital in the newborn period

INTRODUCTION

General Movement assessment (GMA) is considered the golden standard for early identification of infants with a high risk of developing cerebral palsy (CP). The aim of this study was to explore parents' lived experience of early risk assessment for CP using a mobile application for home video recording after discharge from hospital stay in the newborn period.

METHODS

An inductive qualitative design using a hermeneutical phenomenological approach was chosen, and fourteen parents with children at risk of CP were interviewed at home. The hermeneutical phenomenological approach describes humans' lived experiences of a specific phenomenon with a possibility of deeper understanding of the expressed statements. The interviews were analyzed using the fundamental lifeworld existential dimensions as guidelines for describing the parents' lived experience.

RESULTS

The overall understanding of the parents' experience was 'Finding control in an uncontrolled life situation'. During the often-long hospitalizations, the parents struggled with loss of control and difficulty in understanding what was going on. The use of the mobile application followed by a swift result made them feel in control and have a brighter view of the future.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that the mobile application did not seem to worry the parents. Instead, it provided the parents with a sense of active participation in the care and treatment of their child. The mobile application should be accompanied with clear instructions and guidelines for the parents and details about how and when the result is given.

Implementation of remote general movement assessment using the in-motion instructions in a high-risk norwegian cohort

BACKGROUND

General Movement Assessment (GMA) is recommended for early detection of risk for cerebral palsy but requires trained clinical experts. We aimed to implement home- and hospital-based filming for remote GMA in a Norwegian high-risk infant cohort, as well as evaluating parents' experiences in filming their infant at home.

METHODS

This knowledge translational study used a prospective cohort design including participants referred to neurodevelopmental follow-up across three sites in the Central Norway Regional Health Authority. Two home films of the fidgety type of general movements were collected between 12+1-14+6 and 15+1-17+6 weeks after term by parents. An additional film was collected at the hospital between 12+1 and 17+6 weeks after term. The instructional guide for all filming was the In-Motion App standards. Videos were transferred to a remote GMA team and classified as either "GMA scorable" or "GMA not scorable" based on Prechtl's GMA standards. Parents responded to an online survey using a 5-point Likert scale to collect information about their perspectives, experiences, and possible worries by filming their infant at home.

RESULTS

One-hundred-and-two infants from 95 families participated. Ninety-two (96.8%) families transferred 177 home-based videos. Eighty-four (92%) of these had 95 videos taken in their local hospital. All 177 home-videos were "GMA scorable" and three (3,1%) out of 95 hospital-based videos were classified as "GMA not scorable". Eight families did not respond to the survey and two families did not receive the survey due to a technical error. Seventy-eight (91.7%) respondents agreed or strongly agreed that it was easy to perform home filming and five (5.9%) agreed that they were more worried about their child`s development after filming at home. Almost 80% of respondents agreed that a video for GMA can be taken at home instead of in hospital.

CONCLUSIONS

This study strengthens the clinical implementation of home filming by parents and remote GMA for early detection of CP in high-risk follow-up programs. The implementation of remote GMA has the potential to facilitate early intervention to improve function in children with CP in line with international recommendations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04287166 Date of registration: 27/02/2020.

Randomised controlled trial of an online cognitive training program in school-aged children with cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) experience deficits in nonverbal reasoning. The SMART online cognitive intervention has been associated with gains in IQ and nonverbal IQ in previous studies in typically developing school-aged children and children experiencing learning difficulties.

AIM

To assess the efficacy of an online cognitive intervention in school-aged children with CP.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

21 children with CP (male n = 17; 76.2%), mean age 9 y 8 m, SD 1 y 1 month (range 8 y 3 m to 12 y 6 m) were randomised into the intervention group (n = 9) or a waitlist control group. A mixed-methods approach with an explanatory sequential design was used, with a randomised controlled trial followed by qualitative interviews. Participants were assessed on measures of intelligence, academic ability, attention and executive functioning, and social-emotional functioning at baseline, then after completing the training, or the waitlist period. Analyses included ANCOVAs and paired samples t tests. Semi-structured interviews explored participants' experiences with the training.

RESULTS AND OUTCOMES

Training completion was low with a mean of 16.9 modules completed out of 55 available. No significant effect of training was found for the primary outcome of intelligence, or for any secondary outcomes. Participants reported barriers and facilitators for accessing the program.

IMPLICATIONS

Cognitive training programs addressing relational framing ability may require significant modifications before they can be effectively tested with children with CP.

Enhanced EEG power density during painful stretching in individuals with cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND

Pain perception mechanisms in cerebral palsy remain largely unclear.

AIMS

This study investigates brain activity in adults with cerebral palsy during painful and non-painful stretching to elucidate their pain processing characteristics.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Twenty adults with cerebral palsy and 20 controls underwent EEG in three conditions: rest, non-painful stretching, and painful stretching. Time-frequency power density of theta, alpha, and beta waves in somatosensory and frontal cortices was analyzed, alongside baseline pressure pain thresholds.

OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Cerebral palsy individuals exhibited higher theta, alpha, and beta power density in both cortices during painful stretching compared to rest, and lower during non-painful stretching. Controls showed higher power density during non-painful stretching but lower during painful stretching. Cerebral palsy individuals had higher pain sensitivity, with those more sensitive experiencing greater alpha power density.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These findings confirm alterations in the cerebral processing of pain in individuals with cerebral palsy. This knowledge could enhance future approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of pain in this vulnerable population.

Understanding social cognition in children with cerebral palsy: exploring the relationship with executive functions and the intervention outcomes in a randomized controlled trial

Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) experience Social Cognition (SC) difficulties, which could be related to executive functioning. While motor interventions are common, there is limited knowledge about the impact of cognitive interventions on SC in this population. This study examined the relationship between SC and Executive Function (EF) skills and the effectiveness of an EF intervention that included some SC tasks for improving SC in children with CP. SC and EF domains were assessed in 60 participants with CP (30 females; 8-12 years). The relationship between SC and EF baseline scores was analyzed by bivariate correlations and contingency tables. Participants were matched by age, sex, motor ability, and intelligence quotient and randomized into intervention or control groups. The intervention group underwent a 12-week home-based computerized EF intervention. Analysis of covariance was used to examine differences in SC components between groups at post-intervention and 9 months after. Significant positive correlations were found between the SC and EF scores. The frequencies of impaired and average scores in SC were distributed similarly to the impaired and average scores in EFs. The intervention group showed significant improvements in Affect Recognition performance post-intervention, which were maintained at the follow-up assessment, with a moderate effect size. Long-term improvements in Theory of Mind were observed 9 months after.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the association between SC and EFs. A home-based computerized cognitive intervention program improves SC in children with CP. Including SC tasks in EF interventions may lead to positive short- and long-term effects for children with CP.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT04025749 retrospectively registered on 19 July 2019.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Executive functions and social cognition are associated with social and community participation in people with cerebral palsy. • A home-based computerized cognitive intervention can improve the executive functioning of children with cerebral palsy.

WHAT IS NEW

• Social cognition performance is related to core and higher-order executive functions. • A home-based computerized executive function intervention, including social cognition tasks, has positive short- and long-term effects on social cognition skills in children with cerebral palsy.

Clinical and functional characteristics of children and young adults with cerebral palsy and co-occurring attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

BACKGROUND

There is emerging research that show children and young adults (CYAs) with cerebral palsy (CP) are at higher risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, little is known about the clinical and functional characteristics of CYAs with these co-occurring disorders.

AIM

To estimate associations between a diagnosis of ADHD among CYAs with CP and clinical and functional characteristics.

METHODS

This retrospective, cross-sectional study used data from the electronic health records of CYAs (aged 4-26 years) with CP (n = 1145). We used bivariate and multivariable analyses to estimate associations between an ADHD diagnosis, CP type, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level, speech or language disorder, and intellectual disability.

RESULTS

18.1 % of CYAs with CP had a diagnosis of ADHD. CYAs with spastic-bilateral CP had lower odds of ADHD (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.58; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.35-0.96). Odds of having ADHD were significantly lower for those with GMFCS levels III-V (AOR = 0.10; 95 % CI, 0.06-0.15).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study found that a diagnosis of ADHD among CYAs with CP was associated with greater clinical and functional impairments compared to counterparts without ADHD. Findings highlight the need to screen for both conditions because of the high comorbidity rates in this population.

Chronic pain in children and young people with cerebral palsy: a narrative review of challenges, advances, and future directions

BACKGROUND

Cerebral palsy (CP), the most common physical disability of childhood, is often accompanied by a range of comorbidities including pain. Pain is highly prevalent in children and young people with CP, yet has been poorly understood, inaccurately assessed, and inadequately managed in this vulnerable population. This narrative review presents recent research advances for understanding and managing pain in children and young people with CP, focusing on chronic pain, and highlights future research directions.

MAIN BODY

Pain prevalence rates in CP vary due to different methodologies of studies. Recent systematic reviews report up to 85% of children experience pain; higher in older children, females, and those with dyskinesia and greater motor impairment. Research examining the lived experience perspectives of children and their families demonstrate that even those with mild motor impairments have pain, children want to self-report pain where possible to feel heard and believed, and management approaches should be individualized. Notably, many children with cognitive and communication impairments can self-report their pain if adjustments are provided and they are given a chance. Past inadequacies of pain assessment in CP relate to a focus on pain intensity and frequency with little focus on pain interference and coping, a lack of tools appropriate for the CP population, and an assumption that many children with cognitive and/or communication limitations are unable to self-report. Recent systematic reviews have identified the most reliable and valid assessment tools for assessing chronic pain. Many were not developed for people with CP and, in their current form, are not appropriate for the spectrum of physical, communication, and cognitive limitations seen. Recently, consensus and co-design in partnership with people with lived experience and clinicians have identified tools appropriate for use in CP considering the biopsychosocial framework. Modifications to tools are underway to ensure feasibility and applicability for the spectrum of abilities seen.

CONCLUSION

Recent research advances have improved our understanding of the prevalence, characteristics and lived experience of chronic pain, and refined assessment methods in children and young people with CP. However, the very limited evidence for effective and novel management of chronic pain in this population is where research should now focus.

Current approach to cerebral palsy

This teaching review aims to provide an overview of the current approach to children with cerebral palsy (CP), retrieving the best available evidence and summarizing existing knowledge in the field of CP in children. We also highlight areas where more research is needed and novel strategies for diagnosing and treating cerebral palsy. CP includes a group of permanent disorders of movement and posture that cause activity limitation. Multiple risk factors, occurring preconceptionally, prenatally, perinatally, or postneonatally, are involved in the pathogenesis of CP, with the prenatal ones accounting for 80-90 % of cases. Due to its heterogeneity, CP has various classifications, but usually is classified based on clinical findings and motor impairment. Standardized function classification systems have been developed to address inconsistencies in previous classifications. The combination of clinical assessment and validated predictive tools is recommended for an early diagnosis, which is important for early intervention and prevention of secondary impairments. The therapeutic regimen in CP involves prevention and management of the motor and associated problems. It includes the enhancement of motor performance, the enrichment of cognition and communication skills, the prevention of secondary impairments, and the support of parents and caregivers. The care of CP children demands a multidisciplinary approach focused on improving motor skills, reducing comorbidities, enhancing the quality of life, and prolonging survival.

A new methodological approach to characterize selective motor control in children with cerebral palsy

Introduction

Despite being a primary impairment in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), selective motor control (SMC) is not routinely measured. Personalized treatment approaches in CP will be unattainable without the ability to precisely characterize the types and degrees of impairments in motor control. The objective of this study is to report the development and feasibility of a new methodological approach measuring muscle activation patterns during single-joint tasks to characterize obligatory muscle co-activation patterns that may underly impaired SMC.

Methods

Muscle activation patterns were recorded during sub-maximal voluntary isometric contraction (sub-MVIC) tasks at the hip, knee, and ankle with an interactive feedback game to standardize effort across participants. We calculated indices of co-activation, synergistic movement, mirror movement, and overflow (indices range 0-2, greater scores equal to greater impairment in SMC) for each isolated joint task in 15 children - 8 with typical development (TD) (mean age 4.7 ± 1.0 SD years) and 7 with CP (mean age 5.8 ± 0.7 SD years). Indices were compared with Mann-Whitney tests. The relationships between the indices and gross motor function (GMFM-66) were examined with Pearson's r.

Results

Mean indices were higher in the CP vs. the TD group for each of the six tasks, with mean differences ranging from 0.05 (abduction and plantarflexion) to 0.44 (dorsiflexion). There was great inter-subject variability in the CP group such that significant group differences were detected for knee flexion mirroring (p = 0.029), dorsiflexion coactivation (p = 0.021), and dorsiflexion overflow (p = 0.014). Significant negative linear relations to gross motor function were found in all four indices for knee extension (r = -0.56 to -0.75), three of the indices for ankle dorsiflexion (r = -0.68 to -0.78) and in two of the indices for knee flexion (r = -0.66 to -0.67), and ankle plantarflexion (r = -0.53 to -0.60).

Discussion

Indices of coactivation, mirror movement, synergy, and overflow during single-joint lower limb tasks may quantify the type and degree of impairment in SMC. Preliminary concurrent validity between several of the indices of SMC and gross motor function was observed. Our findings established the feasibility of a new methodological approach that quantifies muscle activation patterns using electromyography paired with biofeedback during single-joint movement.

Examining tools for assessing the impact of chronic pain on emotional functioning in children and young people with cerebral palsy: stakeholder preference and recommendations for modification

PURPOSE

To firstly identify tools for assessing the impact of chronic pain on emotional functioning in children and young people with cerebral palsy (CP), and secondly identify suggestions to improve their relevance, comprehensiveness, comprehensibility and feasibility for the CP population. Improving assessment of the impact of pain on emotional functioning can enhance quality of life by improving access to interventions for pain-related physical disability, anxiety and depression.

METHODS

Ethics approval was granted through the Women's and Children's Health Network Human Research Ethics Committee (2022/HRE00154). A mixed methods study with people with lived experience and clinicians, and guided by the Consensus-based Standards for Measurement Instruments (COSMIN), was undertaken. An online survey identified the highest rated tools for validation and/or modification for young people with CP and chronic pain. Focus groups and interviews investigated content validity and feasibility of the tools identified as highest rated.

RESULTS

The Fear of Pain Questionnaire for Children-SF (FOPQ-C-SF) and Modified Brief Pain Inventory (mBPI) were the highest rated for pain coping and multidimensional assessment (respectively) from the online survey (n = 61) of eight tools presented. Focus group and interview data (n = 30), including 58 unique modification suggestions, were coded to six categories: accessibility, comprehensibility, feasibility, relevance, presentation and comprehensiveness.

CONCLUSION

Potential modifications have been identified to improve the appropriateness and feasibility of the FOPQ-C-SF and mBPI for children and young people with CP. Future research should implement and test these modifications, prioritising the involvement of people with lived experience to ensure their needs are met alongside clinicians.

Foot and lower leg pain in children and adults with cerebral palsy: a population-based register study on 5,122 individuals

BACKGROUND

Pain is common in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) and the most reported pain site is the foot/lower leg. We analyzed the prevalence of pain in the foot/lower leg and the associations with age, sex, gross motor function, and clinical findings in individuals with CP.

METHOD

This was a cross-sectional register-study, based on data reported to the Swedish Cerebral Palsy Follow-up Program (CPUP). All participants in CPUP, four years-of-age or older, were included. Pearson chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to analyze the prevalence and degree of pain in the foot/lower leg.

RESULTS

In total, 5,122 individuals were included from the CPUP database: 58% were males and 66% were under 18 years-of-age. Overall, 1,077 (21%) reported pain in the foot/lower leg. The odds ratios (ORs) of pain were higher in females (OR 1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13-1.53), individuals who could ambulate (Gross Motor Function Classification System Level I (OR 1.84, CI 1.32-2.57) and II (OR 2.01, CI 1.46-2.79) compared to level V), and in individuals with decreased range of motion of the ankle (dorsiflexion 1-10 degrees (OR 1.43, CI 1.13-1.83) and ≤ 0 degrees (OR 1.46, CI 1.10-1.93) compared to ≥ 20 degrees). With increasing age the OR of pain increased (OR 1.02, CI 1.01-1.03) as well as the reported pain intensity (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Pain in the foot and lower leg appears to be a significant problem in individuals with CP, particularly in those who walk. As with pain in general in this population, both pain intensity and frequency increase with age. The odds of pain in the foot and lower leg were increased in individuals with limited dorsiflexion of the ankle. Given the cross-sectional design causality cannot be inferred and it is unknown if pain causes decreased range of motion of the ankle or if decreased range of motion causes pain. Further research is needed on causal pathways and importantly on prevention.

Increasing Prevalence of Cerebral Palsy Among Two-Year-Old Children Born at <27 Weeks of Gestation: A Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate changes in prevalence and severity of cerebral palsy (CP) among surviving children born at <27 weeks of gestation over time and to determine associations between CP and other developmental domains, functional impairment, medical morbidities, and resource use among 2-year-old children who were born extremely preterm.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study using prospective registry data, conducted at 25 centers of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network. Participants were children born at <27 weeks of gestation and followed at 18 through 26 months of corrected age from 2008 through 2019. Outcomes of interest were changes in prevalence of any CP and severity of CP over time and associations between CP and other neurodevelopmental outcomes, functional impairment, and medical comorbidities. Adjusted logistic, linear, multinomial logistic, and robust Poisson regression evaluated the relationships between child characteristics, CP severity, and outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 6927 surviving children with complete follow-up data, 3717 (53.7%) had normal neurologic examinations, 1303 (18.8%) had CP, and the remainder had abnormal neurologic examinations not classified as CP. Adjusted rates of any CP increased each year of the study period (aOR 1.11 per year, 95% CI 1.08-1.14). Cognitive development was significantly associated with severity of CP. Children with CP were more likely to have multiple medical comorbidities, neurosensory problems, and poor growth at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of CP among surviving children who were born extremely preterm increased from 2008 through 2019. At 18 to 26 months of corrected age, neurodevelopmental and medical comorbidities are strongly associated with all severity levels of CP.

Risk Factor Predictors for Developing Epilepsy in Cerebral Palsy Patients in a Tertiary Hospital in Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Study

Background Cerebral palsy (CP) is a major cause of childhood motor impairment worldwide. The prevalence of CP related to preterm births has increased consistently. Perinatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, intra- or periventricular haemorrhage, cerebral dysgenesis and intracranial infections are among the factors contributing to CP onset. Several studies have explored epilepsy-related morbidity among children with CP, finding notable correlations between the two conditions. Worldwide, there are multiple studies highlighting the high prevalence of epilepsy among children with CP and its association with specific CP subtypes and neurologic insults. However, research on the risk factors for epilepsy in CP children is limited, particularly in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia. Aim This study aims to address this gap by analysing potential prenatal, antenatal, and postnatal risk factors associated with epilepsy development in children with CP. Methods A retrospective cohort analysis of 152 children aged 1-14 years diagnosed with CP at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was conducted. Results The study showed a significant prevalence of epilepsy (68.4%), with generalised seizures being the most common type. Quadriplegia was notably common among CP children with epilepsy, indicating a potential correlation between motor impairment severity and epilepsy risk. Furthermore, CP children with epilepsy exhibited a higher prevalence of co-morbidities, emphasising the multifaceted nature of this condition. Perinatal and neonatal factors, such as hypoxic events, mechanical ventilation, perinatal asphyxia, neonatal convulsions, and microcephaly, were identified as significant risk factors for epilepsy in children with CP. While speech and hearing disorders were present in CP children with and without epilepsy, a slightly higher prevalence of impaired speech was observed in those with epilepsy. However, the difference between the two groups was not significant. Conclusion This study provides valuable insights into the epidemiology, clinical characteristics and potential risk factors associated with epilepsy among children diagnosed with CP in Saudi Arabia. The findings underscore the complexity of managing epilepsy in this population and highlight the need for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and support the development of targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes.

Cerebral Palsy Heterogeneity: Clinical Characteristics and Diagnostic Significance from a Large-Sample Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a nonprogressive movement disorder resulting from a prenatal or perinatal brain injury that benefits from early diagnosis and intervention. The timing of early CP diagnosis remains controversial, necessitating analysis of clinical features in a substantial cohort.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed medical records from a university hospital, focusing on children aged ≥24 months or followed up for ≥24 months and adhering to the International Classification of Diseases-10 for diagnosis and subtyping.

RESULTS

Among the 2012 confirmed CP cases, 68.84% were male and 51.44% had spastic diplegia. Based on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), 62.38% were in levels I and II and 19.88% were in levels IV and V. Hemiplegic and diplegic subtypes predominantly fell into levels I and II, while quadriplegic and mixed types were mainly levels IV and V. White matter injuries appeared in 46.58% of cranial MRI findings, while maldevelopment was rare (7.05%). Intellectual disability co-occurred in 43.44% of the CP cases, with hemiplegia having the lowest co-occurrence (20.28%, 58/286) and mixed types having the highest co-occurrence (73.85%, 48/65). Additionally, 51.67% (697/1,349) of the children with CP aged ≥48 months had comorbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

This study underscores white matter injury as the primary CP pathology and identifies intellectual disability as a common comorbidity. Although CP can be identified in infants under 1 year old, precision in diagnosis improves with development. These insights inform early detection and tailored interventions, emphasizing their crucial role in CP management.

Mapping the Current Research on Mindfulness Interventions for Individuals with Cerebral Palsy: A Scoping Review

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a chronic neurological disorder that can cause motor and cognitive disabilities. Mindfulness is a form of meditation that has gained attention as a potential therapeutic intervention for improving the health and well-being of patients with CP. Four databases were searched until January 2023. A scoping review was conducted to explore the role of mindfulness in the management of CP by reviewing the available scientific literature. Studies that examined the effects of mindfulness on motor function, communication, and quality of life in patients with CP were analyzed. The gray literature and reference lists of included articles were not identified. The results were presented in numerical and thematic forms. From an initial pool of 30 registered studies, only 3 met the inclusion criteria. These selected studies reported positive effects of mindfulness interventions on communication abilities and stress management in patients with CP. The available evidence suggests that mindfulness may have beneficial effects on motor function, communication, and quality of life in patients with CP. The findings of this review highlight the potential of mindfulness as a complementary therapy for improving the health and well-being of patients with CP.

Sleep problems in a population-based cohort of primary school age children with Cerebral Palsy

AIMS

To examine sleep problems in a population-based sample of school-aged children (8-12yo) with Cerebral Palsy (CP) METHOD: Eighty-six children (mean 9 years, 5 months, SD = 1 year, 6 months; male = 60) with CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System; GMFCS I=46; II=21; III=9; IV=6; V=6) participated. Classifications/assessments included: Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC), Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66), Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), Communication Function Classification System (CFCS), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Cerebral Palsy- Quality of Life (CP-QOL) Pain Impact subscale. Analysis included linear and logistic regression.

RESULTS

38 (44 %) children were within the clinical range for sleep problems. Sleep problems were significantly associated with epilepsy, (95 % CI) = 14.48 (7.95 to 21.01), gross motor function, -0.13 (-0.26 to -0.01), manual ability, 7.26 (0.82 to 13.69), communication, 10.01 (2.21 to 17.80), child behaviour, 1.134 (0.74 to 1.53), and pain related QOL, 0.33 (0.12 to 0.53). For the multivariable model, sleep problems remained significantly associated with epilepsy, b (95 % CI) = 11.72 (4.88 to 18.57), child behaviour, 1.03 (0.65 to 1.41) and pain-related QOL, 0.21 (0.29 to 0.38).

CONCLUSIONS

Sleep problems are common and associated with epilepsy, child behaviour and pain related QOL.

Telehealth Movement-to-Music With Arm-Based Sprint-Intensity Interval Training to Improve Cardiometabolic Health and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Children With Cerebral Palsy: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Children with mobility disabilities, including those with cerebral palsy, have limited options and limited time to exercise to manage their cardiometabolic health and cardiorespiratory fitness. Regular cardiovascular exercise during childhood is a critical health behavior for preventing health decline in adulthood. Thus, there is an urgent need for accessible, age-appropriate, convenient exercise modalities in this group. Sprint-intensity interval training (SIT), combined with telehealth procedures, may be ideal for children with disabilities. SIT includes repetitive bouts of maximal exercise effort combined with rest periods, which can be effective in eliciting comparable results to moderate-exercise training with very short training durations.

OBJECTIVE

This phase 1 pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the potential effects of a 12-week SIT program on indicators of cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiometabolic health among children with cerebral palsy. An ancillary aim is to evaluate the feasibility of the program through several process feasibility metrics.

METHODS

This study uses a 2-armed parallel group design. A total of 50 physically inactive children with cerebral palsy (aged 6-17 years) will be randomly allocated into 1 of 2 groups: a 12-week SIT or a waitlist control group that continues habitual activity for 12 weeks. The SIT prescription includes 3 tele-supervised sessions per week with 30 repeated sequences of 4 seconds of maximal arm exercise, with active recovery, warm-up, and cooldown periods (for an approximately 20-minute total session). SIT includes guided videos with child-themed arm routines and music. The exercise sessions will be remotely supervised through a web-based videoconference application and include safety monitoring equipment. Outcomes are measured at pre- and postintervention (weeks 0 and 13, respectively). Health outcome measures include peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak), measured by a graded exercise test; high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and blood insulin, hemoglobin A1c, triglycerides, and cholesterol using a finger stick dried blood spot test; blood pressure, using a sphygmomanometer; and body composition (total mass, total lean mass, tissue % lean, and tissue % fat) using dual x-ray absorptiometry. Feasibility will be evaluated by the following metrics: adverse events or problems experienced throughout the intervention related to participant safety; perceived enjoyment; and recruitment, enrollment, and attrition rates.

RESULTS

Recruitment procedures started in November 2023. All data are anticipated to be collected by February 2025. Full trial results are anticipated to be analyzed and submitted for publication by March 2025. Secondary analyses of data will be subsequently published.

CONCLUSIONS

This trial tests an accessible and low-cost exercise program that leverages principles of high-intensity exercise to provide a convenient program for children with physical disabilities. Knowledge obtained from this study will inform the development of a larger trial for improving the cardiometabolic health, cardiorespiratory fitness, and well-being of children with physical disabilities.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05619211; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05619211.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/56499.

Probability of independent walking and wheeled mobility in individuals with cerebral palsy

AIM

To estimate the probability of independent walking and wheeled mobility in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) at home and in the community in relation to age and gross motor function.

METHOD

This was a longitudinal cohort study using data reported into the combined Swedish CP follow-up programme and national quality registry from October 2000 to October 2022. Walking, walking with aids, wheeled mobility, and assisted mobility defined independent or assisted mobility at home and in the community, based on the Functional Mobility Scale with additional data on wheelchair performance, were assessed.

RESULTS

There were 52 858 examinations reported for 6647 individuals with CP (age range 0-32 years, follow-up period 0-22 years). Most children and adults in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I or II walked without assistive devices. The probability of dependence on others for mobility in the community was high for both children and adults in GMFCS levels III to V.

INTERPRETATION

Although independent mobility is vital for participation and social inclusion, many children and adults with CP are dependent on others for mobility. We recommend clinicians, together with families and individuals with CP, explore how to increase access to independent mobility from an early age and continuously throughout the life course.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

• There is a high probability of independent walking in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I to II. • Mobility options vary most at home and in the community in GMFCS level III. • Being dependent on others for mobility is likely in GMFCS levels III to V.

"I have to obey my pain" - children's experiences of pain burden in cerebral palsy

PURPOSE

To explore pain experiences of children with cerebral palsy, and how it influences their everyday life.

METHOD

Fourteen children with CP between eight and seventeen years old were included, using a purposeful sampling strategy. They had different experiences of pain, and different degrees of physical and cognitive impairments. Sixteen individual semi-structured interviews were carried out, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Data analysis resulted in the main theme "I have to obey my pain" and four themes were identified. Experiences regarding pain varied ("My pain is mine alone"). Both pain itself and the use of cognitive strategies to cope with pain involved a mental struggle ("Pain brings me down"). The children had to make adjustments to manage their pain ("I want to participate, but I have to rest"). The most important help was to be understood, but adults also provided valuable help with interventions like stretching, medication and adjustment of activity levels ("Others can help me").

CONCLUSION

Pain was a determining feature in the lives of these children with CP. The wide variety of experiences and challenges emphasized the need for tailored management strategies developed together with each child and their parents.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONChildren with cerebral palsy had varied experiences of pain, and health professionals need to tailor their pain management approaches to the individual child.Health services should offer pain education to expand children's repertoire of pain management strategies.When a child's pain influences their daily activities, health services must ensure that the school is informed of the child's situation, and able to make necessary adjustments.Health professionals should strive to include children's own descriptions whenever possible to make sure children feel heard and believed.Even children with communicative and cognitive impairments were able to self-report when necessary adjustments in the communication situation were made.

Novel Therapeutic Strategies of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation and Nanomedicine in Pediatric Cerebral Palsy Patients

Infantile central palsy (CP) is caused due to damage to the immature developing brain usually before birth, leading to altered topography and biochemical milieu. CP is a life-limiting disorder, which causes changes in sensory, motor, cognitive, and behavioral functioning. Understanding its pathophysiology is complex, and current therapeutic modalities, oral medication, surgical treatment, physical therapy, and rehabilitation provide minimal relief. As the brain is plastic, it has an inherent capacity to adapt to altered activity; thus, non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) strategies, like repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, which can modulate the neuronal activity and its function, may lead to recovery in CP patients. Further, in recent years, nanomedicine has shown a promising approach in pre-clinical studies for the treatment of central nervous system disorder because it can cross the blood-brain barrier, improve penetration, and provide sustained release of the drug. The review focuses on the principles and mechanisms of various NIBS techniques used in CP. We have also contemplated the effect of rehabilitation and nanomedicine in CP children, which will definitely lead to advancing our diagnostic as well as therapeutic abilities, in a vulnerable group of little ones.

"When everyone is responsible, no one takes responsibility": exploring pediatric physiotherapy services in Israel

BACKGROUND

According to Israel's National Health Insurance Law (1994), the Ministry of Health is responsible for the provision of health services in the country including physiotherapy services; moreover, the Special Education Law (1988), stipulates that physiotherapy services for children with motor disabilities, as well as other allied health services, are provided by the Ministry of Education in educational settings. Thus, children with motor disabilities are entitled PT services under two different laws by two different ministries.

METHOD

To describe the physiotherapy services for children with motor disabilities and examine how policymakers view these services, we conducted a qualitative study including in-depth semi-structured interviews with 10 policymakers from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, and the national directors of physiotherapy services from three of the four health maintenance organizations in Israel.

RESULTS

Study results indicate that there is an array of physiotherapy services and providers. Despite the regulation of these services for children with motor disabilities, uncertainty and lack of knowledge were found about various issues. Therefore, the thematic analysis was structured around four descriptive questions: Where do the children receive physiotherapy? Who is eligible for physiotherapy treatment and who receives treatment? What interventions do children with motor disabilities receive? Who provides therapy for children with motor disabilities?

CONCLUSIONS

Policymakers are dubious regarding the provision of these services, questioning whether children with motor disabilities receive physiotherapy services according to their needs. In addition, the abundance of suppliers does not necessarily improve the quality of services provided to children with motor disabilities, which may ultimately harm their developmental potential.

Optimization of Postural Control, Balance, and Mobility in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Comparative Analysis of Independent and Integrated Effects of Pilates and Plyometrics

The paradigm of comprehensive treatment approaches for children with cerebral palsy has gained traction, prompting clinicians to deliberate between independent and integrated treatment delivery. However, this decision-making process is often hindered by the dearth of empirical evidence available to inform optimal therapeutic strategies. This study, therefore, sought to compare the effects of Pilates-based core strengthening (PsCS), plyometric-based muscle loading (PlyoML), and their combination on postural control, balance, and mobility in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (ULCP). Eighty-one children with ULCP (age: 12-18 years) were randomized to PsCS (n = 27), PlyoML (n = 27), or a combined intervention (n = 27; equated for total sets/repetitions) group. The three interventions were applied twice/week over 12 successive weeks. Postural control (directional and overall limits of stability-LoS), balance, and mobility (Community Balance and Mobility Scale-CB&M; Functional Walking Test-FWT; Timed Up and Down Stair test-TUDS) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. The combined group exhibited greater increases in directional LoS compared to PsCS and PlyoML including the backward (p = 0.006 and 0.033, respectively), forward (p = 0.015 and 0.036, respectively), paretic (p = 0.017 and 0.018, respectively), and non-paretic directions (p = 0.006 and 0.004, respectively)], and this was also the case for overall LoS (p < 0.001 versus PsCS and PlyoML). In addition, the combined group displayed greater improvements compared to the PsCS and PlyoML groups regarding CB&M (p = 0.037 and p = 0.002, respectively), FWT (p = 0.012 and p = 0.038, respectively), and TUDS (p = 0.046 and p = 0.021, respectively). In conclusion, the combined PsCS and PlyoML exercise program promotes considerably greater improvements in postural control, balance, and mobility compared to unimodal training in children with ULCP.

Acute and Long-Term Changes in Blood-Borne Biomarkers in Response to Dynamic Standing in Nonambulant Children With Cerebral Palsy

PURPOSE

To investigate acute and long-term changes in hormonal and inflammatory biomarkers in nonambulant children with cerebral palsy in response to dynamic standing exercise.

METHODS

Fourteen children with severe cerebral palsy were recruited. Anthropometrics and body composition measures were obtained. Physical activity levels before the study were assessed using hip-worn accelerometry. All children underwent a 30-minute dynamic standing exercise using the Innowalk standing aid. Respiratory data during exercise were collected using indirect calorimetry. Blood samples were collected before and after exercise. Blood samples were also obtained after two 16-week exercise protocols, in a resting state. Hormonal and inflammatory metabolites were measured from blood serum/plasma, and acute and long-term changes in biomarker levels were assessed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.

RESULTS

Of the 14 children at baseline, all had slightly/moderately/severely elevated C-reactive protein and cortisol levels. C-reactive protein levels were decreased following a 30-minute bout of dynamic standing (before exercise: 53 mg/L [interquartile range: 40-201]; after exercise: 39 mg/L [interquartile range: 20-107]; P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

We show that several hormonal and inflammatory biomarkers are dysregulated in children with cerebral palsy. Our preliminary results from a small, but deep-phenotyped prospective cohort indicate acute and long-term alterations of several biomarkers in response to exercise.

Accommodations to cognitive assessment for a child with dyskinetic cerebral palsy: case study

PURPOSE

Despite the importance of having knowledge about a child's cognitive functioning, less than one-third of children with cerebral palsy (CP) are formally assessed. Consequently, the cognitive strengths of many children with severe CP may be underestimated or go overlooked. This case study aimed to test accommodations to cognitive assessment administration procedures to enable switch access.

METHODS

A 9-year-old boy with dyskinetic CP tested a suite of cognitive assessments with accommodations for single switch access and measures of user experience. The cognitive assessment included: receptive vocabulary; non-verbal reasoning; sustained attention; executive functions of problem solving and shifting; and visual perception skills.

RESULTS

The participant's ability to independently undertake assessment on the receptive vocabulary, non-verbal reasoning and the sustained attention measures indicates that accommodations made for single switch access were appropriate. Assessment took 1-2 h longer than expected for a typically developing child via standardised administration procedures, but was considerably faster than expected if undertaken via low-tech partner assisted scanning. Accessibility barriers continued to be present for the executive function and visual perception measures. Overall, the user experience was positive, both in regards to usability and cognitive load.

CONCLUSIONS

This case study provides emerging data for usability and accessibility of accommodations to a battery of cognitive assessment tasks. Further research is needed to devise appropriate accommodations for executive function and visual perception measures and to determine whether the accommodations are accessible more generally for children with motor and/or speech impairments. Implications for rehabilitationAccommodations can be successfully made to receptive vocabulary, non-verbal reasoning and sustained attention assessment administration procedures for switch technologies.Cognitive assessment with switch accommodations takes considerably longer to complete than standardised administration estimates for a typically developing child. Assessment may need to be scheduled over more than one session.User experience, including usability and cognitive load, of accommodations was positive.

The Danish child and parent Gait Outcomes Assessment List questionnaires were reliable and valid for cerebral palsy

AIM

We investigated the reliability and validity of the Danish child and parent versions of the Gait Outcomes Assessment List (GOAL) questionnaires for ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP).

METHODS

Translation and cultural adaptations were performed and content validity evaluated. Participants were enrolled between 2016 and 2018 from Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. Children and parents completed the GOAL questionnaires twice for test-retest reliability. Discriminative validity was evaluated by comparing the child and parent GOAL scores between children with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I and II. The concurrent validity of the GOAL questionnaires were investigated by comparing them with Challenge-20, which assesses motor skills in children with CP.

RESULTS

We studied 59 children (57% boys) with CP and GMFCS I-II at a mean age of 10.6 years. Test-retest intra-class correlations were excellent for the children (0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83-0.96) and good for the parents (0.83, 95% CI 0.67-0.91). GOAL scores decreased with increasing GMFCS (p < 0.05). Both versions correlated well. The mean children's scores were significantly (6.2/100) higher than the parents' (p < 0.001). The GOAL scores correlated positively with Challenge-20.

CONCLUSION

The Danish GOAL child and parent questionnaires demonstrated good reliability and content and discriminative and concurrent validity.

Motor training for young children with cerebral palsy: A single-blind randomized controlled trial

AIM

To compare the effect of iMOVE (Intensive Mobility training with Variability and Error) therapy with dose-matched conventional therapy on gross motor development and secondary outcomes in young children with cerebral palsy.

METHOD

This single-blind, randomized controlled trial included repeated assessments of gross motor function (using the Gross Motor Function Measure) and secondary outcomes during a 12- to 24-week intervention phase and at three follow-up points after treatment. Treatment was delivered three times per week in both groups. Forty-two children aged 12 to 36 months were stratified by age and motor function to ensure equivalence between groups at baseline.

RESULTS

Thirty-six children completed treatment and follow-up phases. Treatment fidelity was high and adherence was equivalent between groups (77.3% conventional therapy, 76.2% iMOVE). There were no group differences on the primary (gross motor function after 12 weeks p = 0.18; after 24 weeks p = 0.94) or any secondary (postural control p = 0.88, caregiver satisfaction p = 0.52, child engagement p = 0.98) measure after treatment or at the follow-up points. However, one-third of total participants exceeded predicted change after 12 weeks and 77% exceeded predicted change after 24 weeks of treatment.

INTERPRETATION

Our observations indicate a potential dose-response effect of rehabilitation therapy. We further demonstrated that individual therapeutic ingredients can be manipulated. When delivered consistently, both iMOVE and conventional therapy interventions might both be more effective than standard care.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

Those receiving iMOVE therapy demonstrated more independent practice time, error, and child-initiation than those receiving the dose-matched control. iMOVE therapy was not superior to the control (conventional physical) therapy. Most participants exceeded predicted change after 24 weeks of treatment.

Reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Visual Function Classification System for children with cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often experience visual dysfunction that affects motor function and activities of daily living, but no 'gold standard' classification of visual function has been established. In recent years, however, a valid and reliable Visual Function Classification System (VFCS) for children with CP has been developed.

AIMS

To examine the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the VFCS in individuals with CP.

METHODS

The translation of the VFCS was performed according to international standards for the translation of measurements. We conducted questionnaires of professionals (three physicians, eight physical therapists, five occupational therapists, six speech-language-hearing therapists and a certified orthoptist) regarding the content validity of the Japanese version of the VFCS. For reliability and concurrent validity, 148 individuals with CP were classified twice by professionals using the Japanese version of the VFCS, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) and Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS), with several weeks between each evaluation.

RESULTS

The content validity of the Japanese version of the VFCS almost met the criteria set. The percentage of positive and neutral opinions given by the professionals with regard to the four items ranged from 74% to 92%. The intra-rater reliability was 0.86 (95% CI 0.75-0.96) by Cohen's kappa and 0.93 (95% CI 0.88-0.96) by intraclass correlation coefficient. The inter-rater reliability was 0.67 (95% CI 0.56-0.78) by Cohen's kappa and 0.79 (95% CI 0.69-0.86) by intraclass correlation coefficient. The Spearman correlation coefficients between the VFCS and the GMFCS, MACS, CFCS and EDACS were 0.783, 0.764, 0.738, 0.738 and 0.830, respectively. The concurrent validity was confirmed by the correlations observed with other classification systems.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated good reliability and validity for the Japanese version of the VFCS.

Automated facial recognition system using deep learning for pain assessment in adults with cerebral palsy

Objective

Assessing pain in individuals with neurological conditions like cerebral palsy is challenging due to limited self-reporting and expression abilities. Current methods lack sensitivity and specificity, underlining the need for a reliable evaluation protocol. An automated facial recognition system could revolutionize pain assessment for such patients.The research focuses on two primary goals: developing a dataset of facial pain expressions for individuals with cerebral palsy and creating a deep learning-based automated system for pain assessment tailored to this group.

Methods

The study trained ten neural networks using three pain image databases and a newly curated CP-PAIN Dataset of 109 images from cerebral palsy patients, classified by experts using the Facial Action Coding System.

Results

The InceptionV3 model demonstrated promising results, achieving 62.67% accuracy and a 61.12% F1 score on the CP-PAIN dataset. Explainable AI techniques confirmed the consistency of crucial features for pain identification across models.

Conclusion

The study underscores the potential of deep learning in developing reliable pain detection systems using facial recognition for individuals with communication impairments due to neurological conditions. A more extensive and diverse dataset could further enhance the models' sensitivity to subtle pain expressions in cerebral palsy patients and possibly extend to other complex neurological disorders. This research marks a significant step toward more empathetic and accurate pain management for vulnerable populations.

Pain in children with cerebral palsy as reported by parents

BACKGROUND

Pain in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is a problem that has not received adequate attention in developing countries. The aim of this study was to explore the presence of pain and common sites of pain in children with CP based on age, gender and ambulatory status as determined by the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study based on data from a CP registry (CPUP-Jordan). Participants were 310 children with CP (mean age: 3.3 ± 2.9 years, range: 5 months to 15.9 years), 77.1% were below 5 years of age, 56.8% were boys and 49% were classified as Levels IV and V of the GMFCS. Parents were asked to indicate whether their child is currently experiencing pain (yes/no); if yes, they were asked to report the sites of pain.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine (25.5%) children experienced pain (34.1% had pain in the stomach, 15.2% at the hips and knees and 12.7% in their feet). The presence of pain did not significantly differ by age or gender. More children in GMFCS Levels V (34.7%) and IV (31.6%) experienced pain. Compared with Level V on the GMFCS (non-ambulant children), children in Level I and children in Level III experienced less pain (odds ratio [OR] = 0.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.087-0.727, p = 0.011; OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.18-0.98, p = 0.045, respectively). Pain sites differed with age and GMFCS.

CONCLUSIONS

Pain was reported to be less than previous studies. Non-ambulant children experienced more pain. Pain monitoring and management should be a regular practice in rehabilitation for this population, with special attention for non-ambulant children.

A Call for Early Detection of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability across the lifespan, but historically, CP has not been diagnosed before the age of 2 years. Barriers to early diagnosis ranged from lack of available biomarkers, absence of curative treatments, perceived stigma associated with a lifelong diagnosis, and a desire to rule out other diagnoses first. Most importantly, the fundamental question that remained was whether children would benefit from earlier detection and intervention given the paucity of research. However, evidence-based guidelines published in 2017 demonstrated that the General Movements Assessment, the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination, and neuroimaging can be combined with other elements such as a clinical history and standardized motor assessments to provide the highest predictive value for diagnosing CP as early as age 3 months in high-risk newborns. Implementation of these guidelines has been successful in decreasing the age at CP diagnosis, particularly in high-risk infant follow-up clinics with expertise in performing these assessments. Early detection of CP allows for clinical and research opportunities investigating earlier interventions during a critical period of neuroplasticity, with the goal of improving developmental trajectories for children and their families. New guidelines and research are now being developed with a focus on early, targeted interventions that continue to be studied, along with global detection initiatives.

Automating General Movements Assessment with quantitative deep learning to facilitate early screening of cerebral palsy

The Prechtl General Movements Assessment (GMA) is increasingly recognized for its role in evaluating the integrity of the developing nervous system and predicting motor dysfunctions, particularly in conditions such as cerebral palsy (CP). However, the necessity for highly trained professionals has hindered the adoption of GMA as an early screening tool in some countries. In this study, we propose a deep learning-based motor assessment model (MAM) that combines infant videos and basic characteristics, with the aim of automating GMA at the fidgety movements (FMs) stage. MAM demonstrates strong performance, achieving an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.967 during external validation. Importantly, it adheres closely to the principles of GMA and exhibits robust interpretability, as it can accurately identify FMs within videos, showing substantial agreement with expert assessments. Leveraging the predicted FMs frequency, a quantitative GMA method is introduced, which achieves an AUC of 0.956 and enhances the diagnostic accuracy of GMA beginners by 11.0%. The development of MAM holds the potential to significantly streamline early CP screening and revolutionize the field of video-based quantitative medical diagnostics.

Feasibility of an eye-gaze technology intervention for students with severe motor and communication difficulties in Taiwan

Eye-gaze technology provides access to a computer through the control of eye movements, thus allowing students with severe motor and communication difficulties to communicate and participate in curriculum activities and leisure; however, few studies have investigated whether any challenges exist to its implementation. This study examines the feasibility for teachers, parents, and therapists of applying an eye-gaze technology intervention for students with severe motor and communication difficulties in everyday settings. A mixed-method design was applied, focusing on the acceptability, demands, implementation, and practicality of the technology applications. Data was collected from 16 participants who assisted five students using eye-gaze technology in a previous 6-month intervention. The intervention comprised (a) use of eye-gaze devices with individualized content; and (b) services including training in use, team meetings, and bi-monthly support on implementation problems. The results showed that the participants perceived the technology as appropriate to enhance interaction and understanding of the students' learning and communication messages. Portable and easy-to-adjust systems were crucial to apply eye-gaze technology in different contexts. Improving eye-gaze services was required to afford in-service education, follow-up services, and loaning programs for sustainable implementation. The facilitators and barriers could guide researchers and practitioners to enhance the implementation of eye-gaze technology.

Risk of Developmental Disorders in Children Born at 32 to 38 Weeks' Gestation: A Meta-Analysis

CONTEXT

Very preterm birth (<32 weeks) is associated with increased risk of developmental disorders. Emerging evidence suggests children born 32 to 38 weeks might also be at risk.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the relative risk and prevalence of being diagnosed with, or screening positive for, developmental disorders in children born moderately preterm, late preterm, and early term compared with term (≥37 weeks) or full term (39-40/41 weeks).

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Embase, Psychinfo, Cumulative Index of Nursing, and Allied Health Literature.

STUDY SELECTION

Reported ≥1 developmental disorder, provided estimates for children born 32 to 38 weeks.

DATA EXTRACTION

A single reviewer extracted data; a 20% sample was second checked. Data were pooled using random-effects meta-analyses.

RESULTS

Seventy six studies were included. Compared with term born children, there was increased risk of most developmental disorders, particularly in the moderately preterm group, but also in late preterm and early term groups: the relative risk of cerebral palsy was, for 32 to 33 weeks: 14.1 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 12.3-16.0), 34 to 36 weeks: 3.52 (95% CI: 3.16-3.92) and 37 to 38 weeks: 1.44 (95% CI: 1.32-1.58).

LIMITATIONS

Studies assessed children at different ages using varied criteria. The majority were from economically developed countries. All were published in English. Data were variably sparse; subgroup comparisons were sometimes based on single studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Children born moderately preterm are at increased risk of being diagnosed with or screening positive for developmental disorders compared with term born children. This association is also demonstrated in late preterm and early term groups but effect sizes are smaller.

Clinical changes as a result of dynamic seating in a young adult with cerebral palsy

PURPOSE

This case study follows a single participant with cerebral palsy through 15 years of wheelchair seating interventions. Positioning challenges within the wheelchair seating system included significantly increased muscle tone, extension patterns, extraneous movement, loss of body position in relation to the seating system, loss of alignment with other assistive technologies, high energy expenditure, client injury and pain, and equipment damage. The purpose of this article is to present clinical changes seen in this participant during a progression of dynamic seating interventions.

CASE DESCRIPTION

includes four separate seating and wheeled mobility evaluations over an eight-year time frame and subsequent equipment recommendations. A key intervention was the application of dynamic seating. No standardized assessments for wheeled seating and mobility evaluation are available, at this time.

OUTCOMES

the recommended interventions resulted in reduced extension patterns, extraneous movement, loss of position and alignment with other assistive technologies, energy expenditure, client injury and pain, and equipment damage. Further, functional gains and increased seating tolerance were noted.

CONCLUSION

dynamic seating may address numerous positioning challenges in clients with increased muscle tone in conjunction with an appropriate seating system and mobility base.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONDynamic seating may:•Dissipate client forces to reduce active extension.•Protect a client from injury by reducing intermittent and sustained forces.•Protect wheelchair seating, mounting hardware, and the frame from loss of alignment and damage.•Provide movement to decrease agitation and increase alertness.

Prevalence of cerebral palsy comorbidities in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives

This systematic review aimed to comprehensively understand the comorbidity of cerebral palsy (CP) in China.

Methods

We searched through databases in both Chinese and English until December 2022 to gather cross-sectional studies on the comorbidity of CP in China. After two reviewers independently screened the articles, collected the data, and assessed the bias risk, a meta-analysis was conducted using the Stata 17.0 software.

Results

A total of 73 articles were included. Of these, 16 articles reported total comorbidity, with a prevalence of 79.7% (95% CI: 73.8-85.7%); 56 articles reported epilepsy, with a prevalence of 17.9% (95% CI: 15.4-20.4%); 48 articles reported intellectual disability, with a prevalence of 58.0% (95% CI: 51.8-64.3%); 32 articles reported speech disorders, with a prevalence of 48.0% (95% CI: 41.6-54.4%); 41 articles reported hearing disorders, with a prevalence of 17.2% (95% CI: 13.0-21.4%); and 35 articles reported vision disorders, with a prevalence of 23.1% (95% CI: 16.3-29.8%). The topographical type of CP was the primary source of heterogeneity in the prevalence of epilepsy. Diagnostic criteria for CP, clinical type of CP, GMFCS, publishing time, and topographical type of CP were the primary sources of heterogeneity in the prevalence of intellectual disability. Clinical type of CP and topographical type were the primary sources of heterogeneity in the prevalence of speech disorders. Finally, the region was the primary source of heterogeneity in the prevalence of hearing disorders.

Conclusion

The prevalence of comorbidities in CP is high in China. Comorbidities are related to the characteristics, severity, and risk factors of brain insult and have a particular relationship with regional economic development and medical and health levels.

Asymmetry in sensory-motor function between the lower limbs in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy: An observational study

The objective of this study was to examine the difference in sensory-motor impairments (i.e., balance, contracture, coordination, strength, spasticity, and sensation) between legs in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. An observational study measured both lower limbs of children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy over one session. Six sensory-motor impairments (balance, coordination, strength, spasticity, contracture, and proprioception) were measured. The between-leg differences were analyzed using the paired t-tests and presented as the mean differences (95% confidence interval (CI)). Twenty-four participants aged 10.3 years (standard deviation: 1.3) participated. The affected leg was less than the less-affected leg in terms of the strength of dorsiflexors (mean difference (MD) -2.8 Nm, 95% CI -4.2 to -1.4), plantarflexors (MD -2.6 Nm, 95% CI -4.1 to -1.0), knee extensors (MD -5.3 Nm, 95% CI -10.2 to -0.5) as well as range of ankle dorsiflexion (MD -8 deg, 95% CI -13 to -3), and balance (median difference -11.1, 95% CI -11.6 to -10.6). There was a trend toward a difference in terms of the strength of hip abductors (MD -2.6 Nm, 95% CI -5.3 to 0.1) and coordination (MD -0.20 taps/s, 95% CI -0.42 to 0.01). The legs were similar in terms of the strength of hip extensors (MD 0.3 Nm, 95% CI -4.7 to 5.3), proprioception (MD 1 deg, 95% CI 0 to 2), and spasticity (median difference 0, 95% CI 0 to 0). Examination of the difference in sensory-motor impairments between legs in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy has given us some insights into the deficits in both legs. Not only was balance, strength, and coordination decreased compared with the less-affected leg but also the less-affected leg was markedly decreased compared with typically developing children. Therefore, an intervention aimed at increasing muscle strength and coordination in both legs might have a positive effect, particularly on more challenging physical activities. This may, in turn, lead to successful participation in mainstream sport and recreation.

Positional Change Used to Manage Postextubation Respiratory Failure in a Child With Cerebral Palsy

Dental treatment for patients with cerebral palsy (CP) is often performed under general anesthesia due to involuntary movements that can render dental treatment difficult. Since CP is often accompanied by spasticity, care must be taken when positioning patients during general anesthesia. We report the management of a 14-year-old girl with CP and epilepsy undergoing general anesthesia for dental treatment who experienced respiratory failure due to acute thoracoabdominal muscle hypertonia after extubation. She had a history of cardiac arrest due to respiratory failure caused by acute muscle hypertonia and successful resuscitation. General anesthesia was induced after careful positioning of the patient to prevent spastic muscle stretching, and the dental treatment was completed without complications. However, upon awakening after extubation, the patient developed respiratory failure due to acute muscle hypertonia. The patient was resedated and repositioned from a supine to a sitting position, and her symptoms improved. There was no recurrence of muscle hypertonia, and she recovered fully without complications. In this case, respiratory failure associated with acute muscle hypertonia was successfully managed by position change after initial treatment with positive-pressure ventilation and propofol. It is important to be prepared for the possibility of respiratory failure associated with acute muscle hypertonia and its countermeasures when providing general anesthesia for patients with CP.

Association between gestational levels of toxic metals and essential elements and cerebral palsy in children

Introduction

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in childhood, but its causes are only partly known. Early-life exposure to toxic metals and inadequate or excess amounts of essential elements can adversely affect brain and nervous system development. However, little is still known about these as perinatal risk factors for CP. This study aims to investigate the associations between second trimester maternal blood levels of toxic metals, essential elements, and mixtures thereof, with CP diagnoses in children.

Methods

In a large, population-based prospective birth cohort (The Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study), children with CP diagnoses were identified through The Norwegian Patient Registry and Cerebral Palsy Registry of Norway. One hundred forty-four children with CP and 1,082 controls were included. The relationship between maternal blood concentrations of five toxic metals and six essential elements and CP diagnoses were investigated using mixture approaches: elastic net with stability selection to identify important metals/elements in the mixture in relation to CP; then logistic regressions of the selected metals/elements to estimate odds ratio (OR) of CP and two-way interactions among metals/elements and with child sex and maternal education. Finally, the joint effects of the mixtures on CP diagnoses were estimated using quantile-based g-computation analyses.

Results

The essential elements manganese and copper, as well as the toxic metal Hg, were the most important in relation to CP. Elevated maternal levels of copper (OR = 1.40) and manganese (OR = 1.20) were associated with increased risk of CP, while Hg levels were, counterintuitively, inversely related to CP. Metal/element interactions that were associated with CP were observed, and that sex and maternal education influenced the relationships between metals/elements and CP. In the joint mixture approach no significant association between the mixture of metals/elements and CP (OR = 1.00, 95% CI = [0.67, 1.50]) was identified.

Conclusion

Using mixture approaches, elevated levels of copper and manganese measured in maternal blood during the second trimester could be related to increased risk of CP in children. The inverse associations between maternal Hg and CP could reflect Hg as a marker of maternal fish intake and thus nutrients beneficial for foetal brain development.

Comorbidities in children with cerebral palsy: a single-centre cross-sectional hospital-based study from India

OBJECTIVE

To describe the comorbidities in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and determine the characteristics associated with different impairments.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Tertiary care referral centre in India.

PATIENTS

Between April 2018 and May 2022, all children aged 2-18 years with a confirmed diagnosis of CP were enrolled by systematic random sampling. Data on antenatal, birth and postnatal risk factors, clinical evaluation and investigations (neuroimaging and genetic/metabolic workup) were recorded.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence of the co-occurring impairments was determined using clinical evaluation or investigations as indicated.

RESULTS

Of the 436 children screened, 384 participated (spastic CP=214 (55.7%) (spastic hemiplegic=52 (13.5%); spastic diplegia=70 (18.2%); spastic quadriplegia=92 (24%)), dyskinetic CP=58 (15.1%) and mixed CP=110 (28.6%)). A primary antenatal/perinatal/neonatal and postneonatal risk factor was identified in 32 (8.3%), 320 (83.3%) and 26 (6.8%) patients, respectively. Prevalent comorbidities (the test used) included visual impairment (clinical assessment and visual evoked potential)=357/383(93.2%), hearing impairment (brainstem-evoked response audiometry)=113 (30%), no understanding of any communication (MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory)=137 (36%), cognitive impairment (Vineland scale of social maturity)=341 (88.8%), severe gastrointestinal dysfunction (clinical evaluation/interview)=90 (23%), significant pain (non-communicating children's pain checklist)=230 (60%), epilepsy=245 (64%), drug-resistant epilepsy=163 (42.4%), sleep impairment (Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire)=176/290(60.7%) and behavioural abnormalities (Childhood behaviour checklist)=165 (43%). Overall, hemiparetic and diplegic CP and Gross Motor Function Classification System ≤3 were predictive of lesser co-occurring impairment.

CONCLUSION

CP children have a high burden of comorbidities, which increase with increasing functional impairment. This calls for urgent actions to prioritise opportunities to prevent risk factors associated with CP and organise existing resources to identify and manage co-occurring impairments.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

CTRI/2018/07/014819.

The Role of Child Neurologists in the Management of Motor Disability in Cerebral Palsy: Establishing the Path Forward

BACKGROUND

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability of childhood, and yet the role of child neurologists and neurodevelopmentalists (CN/NDDs) in the management of children with CP is unclear. Although previous surveys showed that CN/NDDs believe they are uniquely expert in CP motor phenotyping and should be involved in CP management, others have demonstrated that training in CP management among CN/NDD residency programs is inadequate.

METHODS

In this article, we surveyed a group of CN/NDDs at the Child Neurology Society Cerebral Palsy Special Interest Group meeting on January 27, 2022. Questions addressed provider comfort with CP tone management including motor phenotyping, pharmacologic and surgical management, barriers and solutions to improving practice, and the use of systems-based care.

RESULTS

Responses from 42 participants demonstrated that CN/NDDs lack experience with CP tone management, with 48% and 58% of respondents reporting little to no experience in pharmacologic or surgical management, respectively. Primary barriers identified to improving comfort with CP tone management included lack of knowledge and ineffective treatment options, while most solutions centered on improving collaborations between CN/NDDs and other specialties. Only 50% of respondents reported currently using systems-based care in the management of patients with CP.

CONCLUSIONS

An interdisciplinary, systems-based care model would allow for collaboration and knowledge sharing between involved specialties and provide high-value goal-directed care to maximize the functional outcomes for every individual with CP.

Cognition and learning difficulties in a representative sample of school-aged children with cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND

Nearly half of all children with CP experience intellectual impairment, with impacts on academic achievement.

AIMS

To assess cognitive and academic functioning for primary-school aged children with CP METHODS AND PROCEDURES: This population-based cohort study assessed 93 participants (male n = 62; mean = 9 years 9 months, SD 1 y 1.8 months) on measures of fluid and crystallised intelligence (Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices, Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test) and academic achievement (Wechsler Individual Achievement Test). Analyses included t-tests, Pearson's chi-square and regression.

OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

41 (44.1%) children met criteria consistent with intellectual developmental disorder. Academic skills were significantly below population means on word reading (M= 85.4, SD = 19.3), t(66) = -6.2, p < .001; spelling (M=83.3, SD=19.7) t(65) = -6.87, p < .001; and numerical operations (M=72.9, SD=21.7) Z = 66.0, p < .001. Cognitive ability was associated with GMFCS level (χ² (1, N = 93) = 16.15, p < .001) and diagnosis of epilepsy (χ² (2, N = 93) = 11.51 p = .003). Crystallised and fluid intelligence together accounted for 65% of the variance in word reading, 56% in spelling and 52% in numerical operations.

IMPLICATIONS

Many children with CP experience academic challenges. Screening is recommended for all children with CP and full psychoeducational assessment undertaken when children with CP experience academic difficulties.

Manual Abilities and Cognition in Children with Cerebral Palsy: Do Fine Motor Skills Impact Cognition as Measured by the Bayley Scales of Infant Development?

Manual ability may be an important consideration when measuring cognition in children with CP because many items on cognitive tests require fine motor skills. This study investigated the association of fine motor dependent (FMD) and fine motor independent (FMI) items within the cognitive domain (COG) of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-Third Edition (Bayley-III) and Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) in children with cerebral palsy. Children aged 2 to 8 (3.96 ± 1.68) years were included in this study. MACS levels were assigned at baseline. COG was administrated at baseline (n = 61) and nine months post-baseline (n = 28). The 91 items were classified into FMD (52) and FMI (39). Total raw score, FMD, and FMI scores were calculated. The association between MACS and cognitive scores (total, FMD, and FMI) were evaluated using linear regression and Spearman correlation coefficients. We found total, FMD, and FMI scores decrease significantly as the MACS level increases at the baseline. Both FMD and FMI scores decreased as MACS levels increased (worse function). There was a significant difference between the two slopes, with the FMD scores having a steeper slope. Similar patterns were observed nine months post-baseline. Children with lower manual ability scored lower in the cognitive domain at baseline and 9 months post-baseline. The significant difference in the performance of FMD items and FMI items across MACS levels with a steeper slope of changes in FMD items suggests fine motor skills impact cognition.

Biochemical and Microbiological Aspects of the Oral Cavity of Children and Young People with Neurological Impairment and Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

The components and the salivary flow have a direct influence on the composition of the oral microbiota of children and young people with oropharyngeal dysphagia, and studies have already demonstrated the excessive accumulation of supragingival dental calculus in individuals with enteral nutrition. This study aimed to compare the oral hygiene, biochemical, and microbiological aspects of the oral cavity of children and young people with neurological impairment and oropharyngeal dysphagia. Forty children and young people with neurological impairment and oropharyngeal dysphagia were enrolled and divided into two groups: group I, encompassing 20 participants fed via gastrostomy; and group II, encompassing 20 participants fed via the oral route. Oral hygiene and salivary pH and flow were assessed, and a polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate the messenger RNA expressions of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tanerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola. In groups I and II, the mean Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified scores were 4 and 2, respectively, showing a significant difference; the mean Calculus Index scores were 2 and 0, respectively, showing a significant difference; and the mean pH was 7.5 and 6.0, respectively, showing a significant difference. Bacterial analysis indicated no association between the two groups. It can be concluded that children and young people who use gastrostomy had a poorer oral hygiene, greater dental calculus deposition, and higher salivary pH. The saliva of patients in both groups contained Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tanerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola.

Decision-making for extremely preterm infants with severe hemorrhages on head ultrasound: Science, values, and communication skills

Severe intracranial hemorrhages are not rare in extremely preterm infants. They occur early, generally when babies require life-sustaining interventions. This may lead to ethical discussions and decision-making about levels of care. Prognosis is variable and depends on the extent, location, and laterality of the lesions, and, importantly also on the subsequent occurrence of other clinical complications or progressive ventricular dilatation. Decision-making should depend on prognosis and parental values. This article will review prognosis and the uncertainty of outcomes for different lesions and provide an outline of ways to conduct an ethically appropriate discussion on the decision of whether to continue life sustaining therapy. It is possible to communicate in a compassionate and honest way with parents and engage in decision-making, focussing on personalized information and decisions, and on function, as opposed to diagnosis.

Early Cerebral Palsy Detection and Intervention

Early identification of cerebral palsy (CP) facilitates optimal care, support, and outcomes for children and their families. Ideally, infants with risk factors or developmental deviations should be evaluated early using standardized assessments of neurodevelopment and brain imaging. If a diagnosis of CP or high risk for CP (HRCP) is established, specialized, evidence-informed therapy and family support should be initiated. With task-specific motor skill training and an enriched environment, infants with CP show greater gross motor and cognitive gains. These enhanced outcomes are only achievable with early diagnosis and subsequent intervention.

Kindy Moves: the feasibility of an intensive interdisciplinary programme on goal and motor outcomes for preschool-aged children with neurodisabilities requiring daily equipment and physical assistance

OBJECTIVES

To determine the feasibility of an intensive interdisciplinary programme in improving goal and motor outcomes for preschool-aged children with non-progressive neurodisabilities. The primary hypothesis was that the intervention would be feasible.

DESIGN

A single group feasibility study.

SETTING

An Australian paediatric community therapy provider.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty children were recruited. Inclusion criteria were age 2-5 years with a non-progressive neurodisability, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III-V or equivalent, and goals relating to mobility, communication and upper limb function. Exclusion criteria included orthopaedic surgery in the past 6 months, unstable hip subluxation, uncontrolled seizure disorder or treadmill training in the past month.

INTERVENTION

A goal-directed programme of three 2-hour sessions per week for 4 weeks (24 hours total). This consisted of treadmill and overground walking, communication practice, and upper limb tasks tailored by an interdisciplinary team.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Limited-efficacy measures from preintervention (T1) to postintervention (T2) and 4-week follow-up (T3) included the Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS), Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66) and 10-Metre Walk Test (10MWT). Acceptability, demand, implementation and practicality were also explored.

RESULTS

There were improvements at T2 compared with T1 for all limited-efficacy measures. The GAS improved at T2 (mean difference (MD) 27.7, 95% CI 25.8 to 29.5) as well as COPM performance (MD 3.2, 95% CI 2.8 to 3.6) and satisfaction (MD 3.3, 95% CI 2.8 to 3.8). The GMFM-66 (MD 2.3, 95% CI 1.0 to 3.5) and 10MWT (median difference -2.3, 95% CI -28.8 to 0.0) improved at T2. Almost all improvements were maintained at T3. Other feasibility components were also demonstrated. There were no adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

An intensive interdisciplinary programme is feasible in improving goal and motor outcomes for preschool children with neurodisabilities (GMFCS III-V or equivalent). A randomised controlled trial is warranted to establish efficacy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12619000064101.

Effect of hip CPM on gross motor function and development of the hip joint: a single-center randomized controlled study on spastic cerebral palsy children with hip dysplasia

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of hip continuous passive motion (hCPM) on hip development at skeletal maturity and gross motor function for spastic cerebral palsy children with hip dysplasia.

Methods

Prospective case-control research of hCPM with goal-directed training versus merely goal-directed training. On the basis of goal-directed training, the hCPM group used the hip joint CPM instrument (the external fixator was connected to the power device to make the hip joint carry out continuous passive movement) for 40-60 min, twice a day, and five times a week, and received continuous training for 8 weeks simultaneously. The control group received only goal-directed training for 8 weeks. Functional outcomes pertaining to the affected hip joints were assessed via gross motor function measure (GMFM), migration percentage (MP), acetabular index (AI), and Harris hip functional score (HHS) at the time of enrollment and the end of the intervention.

Results

The case-control research included 65 participants (mean age = 46.20 months, SD = 17.09 months; Gross Motor Function Grading System level: III = 41, IV = 24) who were randomly selected to either the hCPM (n = 45) or the control group (n = 20). No differences were found in baseline (acquisition phase) GMFM, MP, AI, or HHS (t = -1.720, P = 0.090; t* = 1.836, P* = 0.071; t# = -1.517, P# = 0.139; t* = -1.310, P* = 0.195; t# = -1.084, P# = 0.097; t = -1.041, P = 0.301). At the 8-week follow-up, GMFM, MP, AI, and HHS significantly improved over baseline in the hCPM group (hCPM group: t = 18.59, 20.172*, 40.291#, 16.820*, 32.900#, 28.081; P < 0.001). Between-group differences at 8-week follow-up times points favored the hCPM group for GMFM (t = -2.637, P = 0.011), MP (t* = 2.615, P* = 0.014; t# = 3.000, P# = 0.006), AI (t* = 2.055, P* = 0.044; t# = 2.223, P# = 0.030), HHS (t = -4.685, P < 0.001) (*: left side; #: right side).

Conclusion

Spastic cerebral palsy children with hip dysplasia achieved meaningful functional improvement after 8 weeks of goal-directed training with hCPM therapy.

Exploring Temporospatial Gait Asymmetry, Dynamic Balance, and Locomotor Capacity After a 12-Week Split-Belt Treadmill Training in Adolescents with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Clinical Study

AIM

To investigate the effects of a 12-week split-belt treadmill walking (Sb-TW) practice using an error augmentation strategy on temporospatial gait asymmetries, dynamic balance, and locomotor capacity in adolescents with unilateral cerebral palsy (ULCP).

METHODS

Fifty-two adolescents with ULCP (age: 10-16 years) were randomized into either the Sb-TW group (n = 26; underwent repeated Sb-TW practice, with exaggeration of the initial step-length asymmetry, three times/week, for 12 sequential weeks) or control group (n = 26; received equivalent dosages of traditional single-belt treadmill training). Step-length and swing-time asymmetries, directional (LoSdirectional) and overall (LoSoverall) limits of stability, and locomotor capacity [6-minute walk test (6-MWT), Timed Up and Down Stair test (TUDS), and 10-m Shuttle Run Test (10mSRT)] were assessed pre- and post-intervention.

RESULTS

The Sb-TW group demonstrated more favorable changes in step-length asymmetry (p < .001, η2partial = 0.27), LoSdirectional [affected side direction (p = .033, η2partial = 0.09), forward direction (p = .004, η2partial = 0.16), and backward direction (p = .01, η2partial = 0.12)], and LoSoverall (p < .001, η2partial = 0.31) than the control group. Also, the Sb-TW group showed significantly higher locomotor capacity [6-MWT (p < .001, η2partial = 0.38), TUDS (p = .032, η2partial = 0.09), 10mSRT (p = .021, η2partial = 0.10)] as compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

The Sb-TW-induced adaptations can be capitalized on for remediating spatial gait asymmetry, dynamic balance deficits, and impaired locomotor performance in adolescents with ULCP.

Factors Related to Quality of Life in Children With Cerebral Palsy

BACKGROUND

We investigated the influence of relevant demographic, clinical, neuropsychological, and psychosocial variables on the proxy-reported quality of life (QOL) of children with cerebral palsy (CP).

METHODS

The proxy-reported Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life-Child questionnaire (CP QOL-Child) was completed by 58 children with CP (mean age 10.22 years, SD 1.67). Relationships between QOL scores and demographic, clinical, neuropsychological, and psychosocial variables were assessed. CP QOL scores and other variables that correlated significantly were introduced into a multiple linear regression model.

RESULTS

Executive functioning and motor functional status were explanatory variables for the CP QOL total score. Executive functions explained three specific QOL domains: Social Wellbeing and Acceptance, Feelings about Functioning, and Emotional Wellbeing and Self-esteem. Parental stress also explained Social Wellbeing and Acceptance. Motor functional status and visual perception were explanatory variables for the Access to Services domain. Finally, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) traits were an explanatory variable for the Participation and Physical Health domain.

CONCLUSION

Executive functioning and motor functional status importantly influence QOL of children with CP. Visual perception, ASD symptoms, and parental stress variables are related with specific QOL domains. These findings demonstrate that interventions targeting cognitive functions in children with CP may positively influence QOL.

Study protocol: peer delivered early intervention (Learning through Everyday Activities with Parents for Infants at risk of Cerebral Palsy: LEAP-CP) for First Nation Australian infants at high risk of cerebral palsy - an RCT study

INTRODUCTION

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common childhood physical disability with rates approximately 50% higher in First Nations Australian children. This study aims to evaluate a culturally-adapted parent-delivered early intervention programme for First Nations Australian infants at high risk of CP (Learning through Everyday Activities with Parents for infants with CP; LEAP-CP).

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study is a randomised assessor masked controlled trial. Infants with birth/postnatal risk factors will be eligible for screening. Infants at high risk of CP ('absent fidgety' on General Movements Assessment, and/or 'suboptimal score' on the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination) aged 12-52 weeks corrected age will be recruited. Infants and their caregivers will be randomised to receive LEAP-CP (intervention) or health advice (comparator). LEAP-CP is a culturally-adapted programme of 30 home visits delivered by a peer trainer (First Nations Community Health Worker); and includes goal-directed active motor/cognitive strategies, CP learning games and caregiver educational modules. The control arm receives a monthly health advice visit, based on the Key Family Practices, WHO. All infants continue to receive standard (mainstream) Care as Usual. Dual child primary outcomes are Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2 (PDMS-2) and Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III. The primary caregiver outcome is the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. Secondary outcomes include function, goal attainment, vision, nutritional status and emotional availability.

SAMPLE SIZE

total of 86 children (43/group) will enable an effect size of 0.65 on the PDMS-2 to be detected (80% power, α=0.05; 10% attrition).

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval through Queensland ethics committees and Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Organisation Research Governance Groups, with families providing written informed consent. Findings will be disseminated with guidance from the Participatory Action Research, in collaboration with First Nations communities; peer-reviewed journal publications and national/international conference presentations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12619000969167p.