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Howland DR, Trimble SA, Fox EJ, Tester NJ, Spiess MR, Senesac CR, Kleim JA, Spierre LZ, Rose DK, Johns JS, Ugiliweneza B, Reier PJ, Behrman AL. Recovery of walking in nonambulatory children with chronic spinal cord injuries: Case series. J Neurosci Res 2023; 101:826-842. [PMID: 36690607 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The immature central nervous system is recognized as having substantial neuroplastic capacity. In this study, we explored the hypothesis that rehabilitation can exploit that potential and elicit reciprocal walking in nonambulatory children with chronic, severe (i.e., lower extremity motor score < 10/50) spinal cord injuries (SCIs). Seven male subjects (3-12 years of age) who were at least 1-year post-SCI and incapable of discrete leg movements believed to be required for walking, enrolled in activity-based locomotor training (ABLT; clinicaltrials.gov NCT00488280). Six children completed the study. Following a minimum of 49 sessions of ABLT, three of the six children achieved walking with reverse rolling walkers. Stepping development, however, was not accompanied by improvement in discrete leg movements as underscored by the persistence of synergistic movements and little change in lower extremity motor scores. Interestingly, acoustic startle responses exhibited by the three responding children suggested preserved reticulospinal inputs to circuitry below the level of injury capable of mediating leg movements. On the other hand, no indication of corticospinal integrity was obtained with transcranial magnetic stimulation evoked responses in the same individuals. These findings suggest some children who are not predicted to improve motor and locomotor function may have a reserve of adaptive plasticity that can emerge in response to rehabilitative strategies such as ABLT. Further studies are warranted to determine whether a critical need exists to re-examine rehabilitation approaches for pediatric SCI with poor prognosis for any ambulatory recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dena R Howland
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA.,Research Service, Robley Rex VA Medical Center, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Shelley A Trimble
- Spinal Cord Injury Outpatient Program, Pediatric NeuroRecovery, Frazier Rehab Institute, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Emily J Fox
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Brooks Rehabilitation, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Nicole J Tester
- Movement Disorders & Neurorestoration Program, Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Sciences, University of Florida Health, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Martina R Spiess
- ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Institute of Occupational Therapy, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Claudia R Senesac
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Kleim
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering & Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Louise Z Spierre
- University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida Health Division of Community and Societal Pediatrics, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Dorian K Rose
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Brooks Rehabilitation, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Jeffery S Johns
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Beatrice Ugiliweneza
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Paul J Reier
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Andrea L Behrman
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
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McIntyre A, Sadowsky C, Behrman A, Martin R, Augutis M, Cassidy C, Betz R, Ertzgaard P, Mulcahey MJ. A Systematic Review of the Scientific Literature for Rehabilitation/Habilitation Among Individuals With Pediatric-Onset Spinal Cord Injury. Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil 2022; 28:13-90. [PMID: 35521053 PMCID: PMC9009193 DOI: 10.46292/sci21-00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To conduct a systematic review to examine the scientific literature for rehabilitation/habilitation among individuals with pediatric-onset spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods A literature search of multiple databases (i.e., PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsychINFO) was conducted and was filtered to include studies involving humans, published as full-length articles up to December 2020, and in English. Included studies met the following inclusion criteria: (1) ≥50% of the study sample had experienced a traumatic, acquired, nonprogressive spinal cord injury (SCI) or a nontraumatic, acquired, noncongenital SCI; (2) SCI onset occurred at ≤21 years of age; and (3) sample was assessed for a rehabilitation/habilitation-related topic. Studies were assigned a level of evidence using an adapted Sackett scale modified down to five levels. Data extracted from each study included author(s), year of publication, country of origin, study design, subject characteristics, rehabilitation/habilitation topic area, intervention (if applicable), and outcome measures. Results One hundred seventy-six studies were included for review (1974-2020) with the majority originating from the United States (81.3%). Most studies were noninterventional observational studies (n = 100; 56.8%) or noninterventional case report studies (n = 5; 2.8%). Sample sizes ranged from 1 to 3172 with a median of 26 (interquartile range [IQR], 116.5). Rehabilitation/habilitation topics were categorized by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF); most studies evaluated ICF Body Function. There were 69 unique clinical health outcome measures reported. Conclusion The evidence for rehabilitation/habilitation of pediatric-onset SCI is extremely limited; nearly all studies (98%) are level 4-5 evidence. Future studies across several domains should be conducted with novel approaches to research design to alleviate issues related to sample sizes and heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda McIntyre
- Parkwood Institute Research, Parkwood Institute, London, Canada
| | - Cristina Sadowsky
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
,International Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Andrea Behrman
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
,Kosair Charities Center for Pediatric Neurorecovery, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Rebecca Martin
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
,International Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Marika Augutis
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Caitlin Cassidy
- St. Joseph’s Health Care London, Parkwood Institute, London, Canada
| | - Randal Betz
- Institute for Spine and Scoliosis, Lawrenceville, New Jersey
,Department of Orthopedics, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Per Ertzgaard
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - MJ Mulcahey
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Jefferson College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Woodbury, New Jersey
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Donenberg JG, Fetters L, Johnson R. The effects of locomotor training in children with spinal cord injury: a systematic review. Dev Neurorehabil 2019; 22:272-287. [PMID: 29920126 DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2018.1487474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Discuss the effectiveness of locomotor training (LT) in children following spinal cord injury (SCI). This intervention was assessed following an exhaustive search of the literature using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses: The PRISMA Statement as a guideline. METHOD Six databases were searched including PubMed, PEDro, CINAHL, Cochrane, PsycINFO, and Web of Knowledge in January 2016 and November 2016, without date restrictions. Inclusion criteria were: studies in English and peer-reviewed and journal articles with a primary intervention of LT in children following SCI. RESULTS Twelve articles, reporting eleven studies, were included. A systematic review assessing locomotor training in children with SCI published in April 2016 was also included. Participants were ages 15 months to 18 years old. Forms of LT included body-weight supported treadmill or over ground training, functional electrical stimulation, robotics, and virtual reality. Protocols differed in set-up and delivery mode, with improvements seen in ambulation for all 41 participants following LT. CONCLUSION Children might benefit from LT to develop or restore ambulation following SCI. Age, completeness, and level of injury remain the most important prognostic factors to consider with this intervention. Additional benefits include improved bowel/ bladder management and control, bone density, cardiovascular endurance, and overall quality of life. Looking beyond the effects LT has just on ambulation is crucial because it can offer benefits to all children sustaining a SCI, even if restoration or development of walking is not the primary goal. Further rigorous research is required to determine the overall effectiveness of LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Glenna Donenberg
- a Division of Biokinesiology & Physical Therapy , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Linda Fetters
- a Division of Biokinesiology & Physical Therapy , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Robert Johnson
- b Norris Medical Library , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , CA , USA
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Aizawa CYP, Morales MP, Lundberg C, Moura MCDSD, Pinto FCG, Voos MC, Hasue RH. Conventional physical therapy and physical therapy based on reflex stimulation showed similar results in children with myelomeningocele. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2017; 75:160-166. [PMID: 28355323 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x20170009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to investigate whether infants with myelomeningocele would improve their motor ability and functional independence after ten sessions of physical therapy and compare the outcomes of conventional physical therapy (CPT) to a physical therapy program based on reflex stimulation (RPT). Twelve children were allocated to CPT (n = 6, age 18.3 months) or RPT (n = 6, age 18.2 months). The RPT involved proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. Children were assessed with the Gross Motor Function Measure and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory before and after treatment. Mann-Whitney tests compared the improvement on the two scales of CPT versus RPT and the Wilcoxon test compared CPT to RPT (before vs. after treatment). Possible correlations between the two scales were tested with Spearman correlation coefficients. Both groups showed improvement on self-care and mobility domains of both scales. There were no differences between the groups, before, or after intervention. The CPT and RPT showed similar results after ten weeks of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Y P Aizawa
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Terapia Ocupacional e Fonoaudiologia, São Paulo SP, Brasil
| | - Mariana P Morales
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Terapia Ocupacional e Fonoaudiologia, São Paulo SP, Brasil
| | - Carolina Lundberg
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Terapia Ocupacional e Fonoaudiologia, São Paulo SP, Brasil
| | - Maria Clara D Soares de Moura
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Terapia Ocupacional e Fonoaudiologia, São Paulo SP, Brasil
| | - Fernando C G Pinto
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Terapia Ocupacional e Fonoaudiologia, São Paulo SP, Brasil
| | - Mariana C Voos
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Terapia Ocupacional e Fonoaudiologia, São Paulo SP, Brasil
| | - Renata H Hasue
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Terapia Ocupacional e Fonoaudiologia, São Paulo SP, Brasil
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Gorski K, Harbold K, Haverstick K, Schultz E, Shealy SE, Krisa L. Locomotor Training in the Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury Population: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil 2016; 22:135-148. [PMID: 29339855 DOI: 10.1310/sci2202-135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Background: The restoration of walking ability in the spinal cord injury (SCI) population is an increasingly important goal in physical therapy. Locomotor training (LT) is often implemented with the aim to restore ambulation. At this point, there are no guidelines for LT in the pediatric SCI population. Objectives: The aim of this review is to further narrow the effects of LT to the pediatric SCI population and develop recommendations for pediatric LT. Methods: A thorough search was performed using the following databases: Scopus, CINAHL, PubMed, and Ovid. Studies were selected based on the following inclusion criteria: pediatric SCI population, articles published within last 10 years, human subjects, and LT. Studies looking at other neurological disorders and subjects who were not previously ambulatory were excluded. Five students and one Faculty Research Advisor from the university's Doctor of Physical Therapy Program evaluated the inclusion criteria, conducted a risk of bias assessment using the Downs and Black checklist, and extracted the results. Results: Six studies were selected for this review. They showed gains in distance, gait speed, walking independence, and participation. There were variations in results when comparing gains in injury level based on the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI). Conclusions: Currently there is insufficient evidence to determine the best clinical practice guidelines for rehabilitation using LT within the pediatric SCI population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelin Gorski
- Thomas Jefferson University Department of Physical Therapy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kelsey Harbold
- Thomas Jefferson University Department of Physical Therapy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Katelyn Haverstick
- Thomas Jefferson University Department of Physical Therapy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Emily Schultz
- Thomas Jefferson University Department of Physical Therapy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Stephanie E Shealy
- Thomas Jefferson University Department of Physical Therapy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Laura Krisa
- Thomas Jefferson University Department of Physical Therapy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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