Effect of a Combined Stretching and Strength Training Program on Gait Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy, GMFCS Level I & II: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Comparing Walking-Related Everyday Life Tasks of Children with Gait Disorders in a Virtual Reality Setup With a Physical Setup: Cross-Sectional Noninferiority Study

BACKGROUND

A frequent rehabilitation goal for children with gait disorders is to practice daily-life walking activities. Unfortunately, these are often difficult to practice in a conventional therapeutic setting. Virtual reality (VR) with head-mounted displays (HMDs) could be a promising approach in neurorehabilitation to train such activities in a safe environment. First, however, we must know whether obstacles in VR are indeed mastered as obstacles.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to provide information on whether VR is feasible and motivating to induce and practice movements needed to master real obstacles in children and adolescents with gait disorders. Furthermore, this project aims to evaluate which kinds of everyday walking activities are appropriate to be practiced in VR.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, participants stepped over a bar, crossed a gap, balanced over a beam, and circumvented stationary obstructions arranged in a course under real physical and virtual conditions wearing a VR HMD. We recorded the respective primary outcomes (step height, step length, step width, and minimal shoulder-obstacle distance) with motion capture. We then calculated the mean differences and 95% CI of the spatiotemporal parameters between the VR and physical setup and later compared them using noninferiority analysis with margins defined a priori by a clinical expert panel. Additionally, the participants responded to a standardized questionnaire while the therapists observed and evaluated their movement performance.

RESULTS

We recruited 20 participants (mean age 12.0, range 6.6-17.8 years) with various diagnoses affecting their walking ability. At 3.77 (95% CI 1.28 to 6.26) cm, the mean difference in step height of the leading foot in the overstepping task did not exceed the predefined margin of -2 cm, thus signifying noninferiority of the VR condition compared to mastering the physical obstacles. The same was true for step length (-1.75, 95% CI -4.91 to 1.41 cm; margin -10 cm), step width (1.05, 95% CI 0.20 to -1.90 cm; margin 3 cm), and the minimal shoulder-obstacle distance (0.25, 95% CI -0.85 to 0.35 cm; margin -2 cm) in the other tasks. Only the trailing foot in the overstepping task yielded inconclusive results.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with gait disorders perform everyday walking tasks like overstepping, crossing, balancing, or circumventing similarly in physical and VR environments, suggesting that VR could be a feasible therapeutic tool to practice everyday walking tasks.

Pediatric Rehabilitation for Walking Difficulty and Calf Muscle Pain in a 13-Year-Old Male With Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy and Clubfoot Deformity: A Case Report

Cerebral palsy (CP) manifests as atypical muscle tone, posture, and movement, and is classified into four main types: extrapyramidal (dyskinetic), spastic quadriplegia, spastic hemiplegia, and spastic diplegia. Patients with CP might move awkwardly because of this since it indicates that their muscles are tense. We report the case of a 13-year-old child who complained of soreness in his right calf muscle and trouble walking over the previous two years. His condition is recognized as spastic diplegic CP. This report aims to understand the impact of neurophysiotherapy procedures in the context of CP. Physical therapy employs various therapeutic techniques to help patients become more independent in carrying out their everyday tasks and enhance their quality of life, including stretching, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, limb strengthening exercises, and gait training. Early rehabilitation aids in treating various motor functions, such as balance, posture, oral motor functioning, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, muscle control, muscle tone, reflexes, and body movement. It also helps children with CP reach their full potential for physical independence and fitness and enhances the quality of life for both the child and the family. Pediatric rehabilitation yields significant benefits in alleviating walking difficulty and calf muscle pain in individuals with spastic diplegic CP and clubfoot deformity.

Gait and sEMG characteristics of lower limbs in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy during walking

BACKGROUND

Children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (USCP) have muscle hypertonia, balance, and coordination defects that affect gross motor skills, especially walking. Understanding the gait characteristics and lower limb muscle activation patterns of USCP children can provide an objective and quantitative basis for patient assessment and treatment plan formulation.

OBJECTIVE

This study compared the gait and lower limb muscle activation characteristics of children with USCP and with typical development (TD) during walking.

METHODS

We recorded gait and sEMG data of 20 children with USCP, and 20 with typical development. sEMG signals were acquired from the bilateral tibialis anterior (TA) and lateral gastrocnemius muscles (LG) during walking. The root mean square (RMS) value, integrated electromyographic (iEMG) value and co-contraction ratio (CR) were used to evaluate muscle activity. Student's t Test and non-parametric rank sum Test were used to compare the differences between the data groups (significance level of 0.05).

RESULTS

The stance time, step length, speed, single leg support time ratio, ground impact, pre-swing angle, and muscle strength of the affected side were significantly decreased compared to those of the unaffected side in children with USCP (P < 0.05), while the swing phase, muscle tonus of LG were significantly prolonged (P < 0.05). Compared with TD children, children with USCP exhibited reduced bilateral walking ability, particularly noticeable in their smaller pre-swing angle(P < 0.05), diminished muscle strength of the TA and LG, as well as LG spasms(P < 0.05).

SIGNIFICANCE

Children with USCP have decreased ambulatory gait stability. Step length, pull acceleration, pre-swing angle, and CR can be used as sensitive indicators for gait assessment. Strengthening the TA muscle and reducing ankle spasm may help improve gait and postural stability in children with USCP.

The Rehabilitation Interventions and Adaptive Technologies Used for Treating Patients With Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most common disorders in pediatric patients. The prevalence of CP is 2-3 in 1,000 live births, but various changes in some trends are seen in different groups. This article is a systematic review of multiple sources available for interventions and new adaptive techniques used for treating patients for their better lifestyles. With recent advancements, it is possible to diagnose a child who is below six months to two years. For achieving goals, proper interventions and techniques are necessary in the early stages of the disease. This article summarizes the rehabilitation and interventions available for treating these children with the best procedures.

Physical Therapy Interventions in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review

Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders affecting individuals already from birth. It enormously impacts an individual's physical and emotional life and can bring many challenges to the individual, caregivers, and families. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate interventions that could improve various symptoms in children with cerebral palsy. Our systematic review intends to assess the effect of different exercise and physical therapy interventions in children with cerebral palsy. We used three databases for our article search: PubMed, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), and PubMed Central (PMC). The combined number of papers found in all databases was 65,412. We then applied our inclusion and exclusion criteria, filters, key terms, and Medical Subheadings (MeSH). After applying our quality assessment tools, we included nine papers in our systematic review. The studies included in our review used various interventions to assess for improvement in symptoms in individuals with cerebral palsy. Interventions included stretching and resistance exercises, horse riding, biking, core stability exercises, slackline training, a home exercise program using an online tool, sit-to-stand exercise program, and functional training. Many studies have shown that interventions improved symptoms like balance, coordination, gait, and cardiovascular endurance in cerebral palsy. This review suggests that some of the included interventions have great potential to improve the symptoms of cerebral palsy and, therefore, can be a great addition to existing training and rehabilitation programs. Given that studies included a relatively small number of participants and were conducted over a short time, more research with a more significant number of participants over a longer time is necessary.

How many observations in the reference dataset are required to compute a consistent Gait Deviation Index & Gait Profile Score?

BACKGROUND

The Gait Deviation Index (GDI) and the Gait Profile Score (GPS) are the most used scores to sum up gait deviations and are used as primary outcomes in many clinical studies. They are considered as equivalent scores. The computation of these scores is based on a reference dataset but often no description is provided. Among other characteristics, the number of observations needed and its possible influence on the computation of the scores remains unknown.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Define the number of observations needed in the reference dataset to compute consistent and reliable GDI and GPS.

METHODS

Fifty individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) were randomly selected from our laboratory database. Both scores were computed based on the reference dataset of Schwartz et al. (2008). A bootstrap analysis was performed, for every individual, to assess the effect of the number of observations on both scores. N number of observations were randomly selected, with replacement, from the reference dataset. This procedure was repeated 2000 times for every individual and every N and performed from N = 5 to N = 165 with an increment of 5. The 95 % of the absolute error distribution was considered for every individual and every N. The smallest detectable change (SDC) for both scores was considered as a threshold (GDI: 10.8; GPS:1.3°) to determine the minimum N required.

RESULTS AND SIGNIFICANCE

A minimum of 90 and 20 observations are required to compute consistent GDI and GPS, respectively. The number of observations has a higher impact on the GDI than the GPS, mainly because the GPS calculation does not rely on the standard deviation (SD). Furthermore, the GDI absolute error seems to be higher in individuals with greater gait deviations, i.e. lower GDI value. This effect was not observed on the GPS. In the case of a small reference dataset, the GPS should therefore be preferred.

Combining intensive rehabilitation with a non-functional isokinetic strengthening program in adolescents with cerebral palsy: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common brain injury in the pediatric population. CP patients present different affectations such as decreased muscle strength, gait deviations, impaired proprioception, and spasticity. Isokinetic strengthening programs combined with an intensive rehabilitation may improve muscle strength and therefore gait efficiency. Clinical Trials: The protocol has been accepted by the French National Ethics Committee (IDRCB: 2022-A00431-42).

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the effect of an intensive rehabilitation combined with a non-functional isokinetic progressive strengthening program to an intensive rehabilitation alone on gait parameters and muscle strength in CP patients. Another goal of the current study is to determine whether adding an isokinetic program to an intensive rehabilitation is more effective than an intensive reha-bilitation alone on decreasing spasticity and improving joint position sense in CP patients.

METHODS

Thirty adolescents with spastic diplegia CP (GMFCS level I to III) will be randomized, by an independent researcher, into a 3-week intensive rehabilitation and isokinetic pro-gressive strengthening group or an intensive rehabilitation control group. Gait param-eters, muscle strength, spasticity and knee joint position sense will be assessed. These variables will be evaluated at baseline (T0) and at the end of the intervention (T1). The intensive rehabilitation will consist of physiotherapy sessions twice a day and hydro-therapy and virtual reality gait training once a day. The isokinetic training group will have a total of 9 supervised isokinetic strength training focusing on knee flexors and extensors with different execution speeds.

RESULTS

The protocol has been accepted by the French National Ethics Committee in October 2022. Inclusion of patients will start in November 2022.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of an intensive rehabilitation with an isokinetic program on knee flexors and extensors have not been studied yet. The findings of this study may determine if an isokinetic strength training program of knee flexors and extensors is benefic to improve gait parameters, muscle strength, spasticity, and joint position sense in adolescents with spastic diplegia.

CLINICALTRIAL

The protocol has been accepted by the French National Ethics Committee (IDRCB: 2022-A00431-42).

The Use of the 6MWT for Rehabilitation in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Narrative Review

Assessing and improving walking abilities is considered one of the most important functional goals of physical therapy in children with cerebral palsy. However, there is still a gap in knowledge regarding the efficacy of treatment targeting the walking capacity of children with CP, as well as their responsiveness to the treatment. The 6 min walk test (6MWT) is a reliable tool to measure this function in children with CP, although less has been known about its potential efficacy to assess changes in the walking abilities associated with interventions. The aim of the present narrative review is to increase the amount of knowledge regarding the use of the 6MWT as a reliable measure to evaluate the effect of interventions on walking capacity in children with CP.

What are the optimum training parameters of progressive resistance exercise for changes in muscle function, activity and participation in people with cerebral palsy? A systematic review and meta-regression

OBJECTIVES

To explore the effect of progressive resistance exercise (PRE) on impairment, activity and participation of people with cerebral palsy (CP). Also, to determine which programme parameters provide the most beneficial effects.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic databases searched from the earliest available time.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) implementing PRE as an intervention in people with cerebral palsy were included.

STUDIES APPRAISAL & SYNTHESIS METHODS

Methodological quality of trials was assessed with the PEDro scale. Meta-analysis and meta-regression were completed.

RESULTS

We included 20 reports of 16 RCTs (n = 504 participants). Results demonstrated low certainty evidence that PRE improved muscle strength (pooled standardised mean difference (SMD)= 0.59 (95%CI: 0.16-1.01; I²=70%). This increase in muscle strength was maintained an average of 11 weeks after training stopped. Τhere was also moderate certainty evidence that it is inconclusive whether PRE has a small effect on gross motor function (SMD= 0.14 (95%CI: -0.09 to 0.36; I²=0%) or participation (SMD= 0.26 (95%CIs: -0.02 to 0.54; I²=0%). When PRE was compared with other therapy there were no between-group differences. Meta-regression demonstrated no effect of PRE intensity or training volume (frequency x total duration) on muscle strength (p > 0.5). No serious adverse events were reported. There is lack of evidence of the effectiveness of PRE in adults and non-ambulatory people with CP.

CONCLUSIONS

PRE is safe and increases muscle strength in young people with CP, which is maintained after training stops. The increase in muscle strength is unrelated to the PRE intensity or dose. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.

Safety and Feasibility of 1-Repetition Maximum (1-RM) Testing in Children and Adolescents With Bilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to standardize 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) testing procedures and evaluate the safety and feasibility of these procedures in youth with cerebral palsy (CP).

METHODS

Youth with CP completed 1-RM testing on a leg press.

RESULTS

Mean absolute, adjusted, and normalized 1-RM loads were 262.4 ± 161.3 lb, 127.0 ± 80.2 lb, and 1.28 ± 0.51, respectively, and 67% were able to successfully lift the same or heavier load after a single failure. Cessation of testing after 1 failed attempt resulted in a 19.0% underestimation of the 1-RM.

CONCLUSIONS

1-RM testing in youth with CP is safe and feasible. Multiple attempts at a failed load should be provided to prevent underestimation in strength. The 1-RM test provides a more accurate strength assessment, which will improve the dosing for resistance training in youth with CP.

Changing the Paradigm of School-Based Physical Therapist Service Delivery: Using Evidence to Support Intensive Intervention

PURPOSE

The purpose of this article is to highlight the paradigm shift away from the typical model of direct service delivery of consistent frequency and duration in the school setting to accommodate an intensive progressive resistive exercise intervention. School-based physical therapists describe how they applied an evidence-based intensive intervention with multiple students in an urban public school district.

SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS

The school-based physical therapists had to modify the typical service delivery model and overcome other challenges to implement this intensive intervention approach. Substantial improvements in strength and functional activities were observed in multiple students and measured across several months.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

An intensive intervention model appears effective and feasible in the school setting. Evidence-based intervention approaches should be considered when the student could benefit.

VIDEO ABSTRACT

For more insights from the authors, see Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/PPT/A339.

Physical Activity and the Health of Wheelchair Users: A Systematic Review in Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, and Spinal Cord Injury

OBJECTIVE

To understand the benefits and harms of physical activity in people who may require a wheelchair with a focus on people with multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy (CP), and spinal cord injury (SCI).

DATA SOURCES

Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, PsycINFO, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Embase (January 2008 through November 2020).

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized controlled trials, nonrandomized trials, and cohort studies of observed physical activity (at least 10 sessions on 10 days) in participants with MS, CP, and SCI.

DATA EXTRACTION

We conducted dual data abstraction, quality assessment, and strength of evidence. Measures of physical functioning are reported individually where sufficient data exist and grouped as "function" where data are scant.

DATA SYNTHESIS

No studies provided evidence for prevention of cardiovascular conditions, development of diabetes, or obesity. Among 168 included studies, 44% enrolled participants with MS (38% CP, 18% SCI). Studies in MS found walking ability may be improved with treadmill training and multimodal exercises; function may be improved with treadmill, balance exercises, and motion gaming; balance is likely improved with balance exercises and may be improved with aquatic exercises, robot-assisted gait training (RAGT), motion gaming, and multimodal exercises; activities of daily living (ADL), female sexual function, and spasticity may be improved with aquatic therapy; sleep may be improved with aerobic exercises and aerobic fitness with multimodal exercises. In CP, balance may be improved with hippotherapy and motion gaming; function may be improved with cycling, treadmill, and hippotherapy. In SCI, ADL may be improved with RAGT.

CONCLUSIONS

Depending on population and type of exercise, physical activity was associated with improvements in walking, function, balance, depression, sleep, ADL, spasticity, female sexual function, and aerobic capacity. Few harms of physical activity were reported in studies. Future studies are needed to address evidence gaps and to confirm findings.

Effect of Community-Based Functional Aerobic Training on Motor Performance and Quality of Life of Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Background

Efficacies of community-based exercise programmes have been well reported but there is scarce information on the expediency of community-based rehabilitation in a society where many of children with disabilities live in poorly resourced settings with extremely limited rehabilitative services. The study investigated the effects of community-based functional aerobic exercise (CBFAE) on gross motor function, walking distance, and quality of life of children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

Quasi-experimental design was used. Children with gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) levels I – II participated in eight weeks CBFAE training four times/week, 50 minutes/day at 40–80% maximum heart rate. Gross motor function (GMF), walk distance and quality of life were assessed pre and post CBFAE training.

Results

Significant improvement observed in GMF (Dstanding) (8.2%, P=.000), GMF (E-walking+running+jumping (5.12%, P=.004), walking distance (6.09%, P=.009). Higher significant positive effects of CBFAE observed in Social wellbeing and acceptance (107.10%, P=.000), and participation and physical health (105.04%, P=.005) by children parent proxy. Self-reported results showed that for CBFAE, significant positive improvements were higher in Pain and impact of disability (67.93%, P=.049) and Participation and physical health (60.00%, P=.042).

Conclusion

CBFAE training contributes majorly to improved standing, walking, jumping and running and selfesteem, quality of life of children with spastic CP. Clinicians and exercise therapists should essentially incorporate CBFAE training and activities into the management of children with CP for improved mobility and functional performances.

Effect of Community-Based Functional Aerobic Training on Motor Performance and Quality of Life of Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Background

Efficacies of community-based exercise programmes have been well reported, but there is scarce information on the expediency of community-based rehabilitation in a society where many children with disabilities live in poorly resourced settings with extremely limited rehabilitative services. This study investigated the effects of community-based functional aerobic exercise (CBFAE) on gross motor function, walking distance, and quality of life of children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

Quasi-experimental design was used. Children with gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) levels I – II participated in eight weeks CBFAE training four times/week, 50 minutes/day at 40–80% maximum heart rate. Gross motor function (GMF), walking distance and quality of life were assessed pre and post CBFAE training.

Results

Significant improvement was observed in GMF (Dstanding) (8.2%, P=.000), GMF (E-walking + running+ jumping (5.12%, P=.004), walking distance (6.09%, P=.009). Higher significant positive effects of CBFAE were observed in Social wellbeing and acceptance (107.10%, P=.000), and participation and physical health (105.04%, P=.005) by children parent proxy. Self-reported results showed that for CBFAE, significant positive improvements were higher in pain and impact of disability (67.93%, P=.049) and participation and physical health (60.00%, P=.042).

Conclusion

CBFAE training contributes majorly to improved standing, walking, jumping and running and self-esteem, quality of life of children with spastic CP. Clinicians and exercise therapists should essentially incorporate CBFAE training and activities into the management of children with CP for improved mobility and functional performances.

Effects of stretching exercises on human gait: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Stretching is commonly used in physical therapy as a rehabilitation tool to improve range of motion and motor function. However, is stretching an efficient method to improve gait, and if so, for which patient category? Methods: A systematic review of randomized and non-randomized controlled trials with meta-analysis was conducted using relevant databases. Every patient category and every type of stretching programs were included without multicomponent programs. Data were meta-analysed where possible. Estimates of effect sizes (reported as standard mean difference (SMD)) with their respective 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were reported for each outcome. The PEDro scale was used for the quality assessment. Results: Twelve studies were included in the analysis. Stretching improved gait performance as assessed by walking speed and stride length only in a study with a frail elderly population, with small effect sizes (both SMD= 0.49; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.96; PEDro score: 3/10). The total distance and the continuous walking distance of the six-minute walking test were also improved only in a study in an elderly population who had symptomatic peripheral artery disease, with large effect sizes (SMD= 1.56; 95% CI: 0.66, 2.45 and SMD= 3.05; 95% CI: 1.86, 4.23, respectively; PEDro score: 5/10). The results were conflicting in healthy older adults or no benefit was found for most of the performance, spatiotemporal, kinetic and angular related variables. Only one study (PEDro score: 6/10) showed improvements in stance phase duration (SMD=-1.92; 95% CI: -3.04, -0.81), swing phase duration (SMD=1.92; 95 CI: 0.81, 3.04), double support phase duration (SMD= -1.69; 95% CI: -2.76, -0.62) and step length (SMD=1.37; 95% CI: 0.36, 2.38) with large effect sizes. Conclusions: There is no strong evidence supporting the beneficial effect of using stretching to improve gait. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to understand the impact of stretching on human gait.