Contributing factors analysis for the changes of the gross motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy after physical therapy

Using the gross motor function measure evolution ratio to compare different dosage of hyperbaric treatment with conventional therapies in children with cerebral palsy - could it end the controversy?

The Gross Motor Function Measure is used in most studies measuring gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy. In many studies, including those evaluating the effect of hyperbaric treatment, the Gross Motor Function Measure variations were potentially misinterpreted because of the lack of control groups. The Gross Motor Function Measure Evolution Ratio (GMFMER) uses historical data from the Gross Motor Function Classification System curves and allows to re-analyze previous published studies which used the Gross Motor Function Measure by considering the natural expected evolution of the Gross Motor Function Measure. As the GMFMER is defined by the ratio between the recorded Gross Motor Function Measure score increase and the expected increase attributed to natural evolution during the duration of the study (natural evolution yields a GMFMER of 1), it becomes easy to assess and compare the efficacy of different treatments.

Objective

The objective of this study is to revisit studies done with different dosage of hyperbaric treatment and to compare the GMFMER measured in these studies with those assessing the effects of various recommended treatments in children with cerebral palsy.

Methods

PubMed Searches were conducted to included studies that used the Gross Motor Function Measure to evaluate the effect of physical therapy, selective dorsal rhizotomy, botulinum toxin injection, hippotherapy, stem cell, or hyperbaric treatment. The GMFMER were computed for each group of the included studies.

Results

Forty-four studies were included, counting 4 studies evaluating the effects of various dosage of hyperbaric treatment in children with cerebral palsy. Since some studies had several arms, the GMFMER has been computed for 69 groups. The average GMFMER for the groups receiving less than 2 h/week of physical therapy was 2.5 ± 1.8 whereas in context of very intensive physical therapy it increased to 10.3 ± 6.1. The GMFMER of stem cell, selective dorsal rhizotomy, hippotherapy, and botulinum toxin treatment was, 6.0 ± 5.9, 6.5 ± 2.0, 13.3 ± 0.6, and 5.0 ± 2.9, respectively. The GMFMER of the groups of children receiving hyperbaric treatment were 28.1 ± 13.0 for hyperbaric oxygen therapy and 29.8 ± 6.8 for hyperbaric air.

Conclusion

The analysis of the included studies with the GMFMER showed that hyperbaric treatment can result in progress of gross motor function more than other recognized treatments in children with cerebral palsy.

F-words e ingredientes das intervenções precoces para crianças com paralisia cerebral não deambuladoras: uma revisão de escopo

Cuidados centrados na família (incluindo coaching e intervenções fornecidas pelo cuidador) e treinamento parental formal são estratégias eficazes para crianças nos níveis IV e V do GMFCS. Os ingredientes de tecnologia assistiva podem promover várias F-words (funcionalidade, saúde, família, diversão, amigos e futuro). O menor nível de evidência foi encontrado para diversão, amigos e futuro. Outros fatores (prestação de serviços, treinamento profissional, dose de terapia, modificações ambientais) são relevantes para crianças pequenas nos níveis IV e V do GMFCS. Esta revisão de escopo identificou os ingredientes de intervenções precoces para crianças com paralisia cerebral em risco de não serem deambuladoras, e os mapeou-os de acordo com a estrutura das F-words. O treinamento formal dos pais e a tecnologia assistiva se destacaram como estratégias para abordar com várias F-words.

F-words and early intervention ingredients for non-ambulant children with cerebral palsy: A scoping review

AIM

To explore the ingredients of early interventions provided to young children with cerebral palsy (CP) who are classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels IV and V, and to identify the 'F-words' addressed by the interventions.

METHOD

Searches were completed in four electronic databases. Inclusion criteria were the original experimental studies that fitted the following PCC components: population, young children (aged 0-5 years, at least 30% of the sample) with CP and significant motor impairment (GMFCS levels IV or V, at least 30% of the sample); concept, non-surgical and non-pharmacological early intervention services measuring outcomes from any of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health domains; and context, studies published from 2001 to 2021, from all settings and not limited to any specific geographical location.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven papers were included for review, with qualitative (n = 3), mixed-methods (n = 4), quantitative descriptive (n = 22), quantitative non-randomized (n = 39), and quantitative randomized (n = 19) designs. Fitness (n = 59), family (n = 46), and functioning (n = 33) ingredients were addressed by most experimental studies, whereas studies on fun (n = 6), friends (n = 5), and future (n = 14) were scarce. Several other factors (n = 55) related to the environment, for example, service provision, professional training, therapy dose, and environmental modifications, were also relevant.

INTERPRETATION

Many studies positively supported formal parent training and use of assistive technology to promote several F-words. A menu of intervention ingredients was provided, with suggestions for future research, to incorporate them into a real context within the family and clinical practice.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

Family-centred care (including coaching and caregiver-delivered interventions) and formal parental training are effective strategies for children in GMFCS levels IV and V. Assistive technology ingredients (power, mobility, supported, sitting, stepping, and standing) may promote several 'F-words' (functioning, fitness, family, fun, friends, and future). The lowest level of evidence was found for fun, friends, and future. Other factors (service provision, professional training, therapy dose, environmental modifications) are relevant for young children in GMFCS levels IV and V.

F-Wörter und Interventionsinhalte in der Frühförderung nicht gehfähiger Kinder mit Cerebralparese: eine umfangreiche Literaturübersicht

Ziel

Untersuchung der Inhalte von Frühfördermaßnahmen für Kleinkinder mit Cerebralparese (CP) mit Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Level IV und V und die Identifikation von „F‐Wörtern“, die von den Maßnahmen adressiert werden.

Methode

Recherche in vier elektronischen Datenbanken. Einschlusskriterien: experimentelle Originalstudien, die die folgenden PCC‐Komponenten erfüllten: Population: Kleinkinder (im Alter von 0–5 Jahre, mindestens 30% der Stichprobe) mit CP und erheblicher motorischer Beeinträchtigung (GMFCS‐Levels IV oder V, mindestens 30% der Stichprobe); Konzept: nicht‐chirurgische und nicht‐pharmakologische Leistungen der Frühförderung, die Ergebnisse aus einem der Bereiche der Internationalen Klassifikation der Funktionsfähigkeit, Behinderung und Gesundheit (ICF) messen; und Kontext: Studien, die zwischen 2001 und 2021 veröffentlicht wurden, in allen Konstellationen und nicht auf einen bestimmten geografischen Ort beschränkt.

Ergebnisse

87 Studien wurden in dieser Literaturübersicht berücksichtigt, mit qualitativen (n = 3), Mixed Methods (n = 4), quantitativ deskriptiven (n = 22), quantitativ nicht‐randomisierten (n = 39) und quantitativ randomisierten (n = 19) Designs. Die meisten experimentellen Studien befassten sich mit Fitness (n = 59), Familie (n = 46) und Funktion (n = 33), während es nur wenige Studien zu den Bereichen Spaß (n = 6), Freunde (n = 5) und Zukunft (n = 14) gab. Verschiedene Umweltfaktoren (n = 55) waren ebenfalls bedeutsam, z. B. das Angebot an Dienstleistungen, Berufsausbildung, Therapiedosis und Umweltanpassungen.

Interpretation

Viele Studien unterstützen Elternschulungen und den Einsatz assistiver Technologien zur Förderung verschiedener F‐Wörter. Ein „Menü“ von Inhalten der Frühförderung wurden ermittelt, mit Vorschlägen für weitere Forschung, um diese in der klinischen Praxis mit Familien umzusetzen.

Was dieser Artikel beiträgt

F-words e ingredientes de las intervenciones tempranas dirigidas a niños no ambulantes con parálisis cerebral: Una revisión exploratoria

La atención centrada en la familia (incluyendo coaching e intervenciones realizadas por los cuidadores) y el entrenamiento formal de los padres son estrategias efectivas para los niños con niveles IV y V de la GMFCS. Los ingredientes de la tecnología de apoyo pueden promover varias "F-words" (funcionamiento, estado físico, familia, diversión, amigos y futuro). Se encontró el nivel más bajo de evidencia para diversión, amigos y futuro. Otros factores (provisión de servicios, formación profesional, dosis de terapia, modificaciones del entorno) son relevantes para los niños pequeños con niveles IV y V de la GMFCS. Ingredientes de la intervención y F-words en intervenciones tempranas dirigidas a niños no ambulantes con parálisis cerebral.

Children with congenital Zika syndrome: symptoms, comorbidities and gross motor development at 24 months of age

BACKGROUND

Children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) maintain severe motor impairments at the end of the first year of life. Presence of certain symptoms and comorbidities increase these children's vulnerability.

AIMS

To evaluate gross motor function of a group of Brazilian children with CZS at 24 months of age and to investigate the association between the presence of CZS symptoms and comorbidities with gross motor development.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Fifty children with CZS participated in the study. Information was collected from medical charts, and gross motor development was evaluated by the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM)-88. GMFM-88 scores were compared among comorbid groups. Three subgroups of children were identified by cluster analysis, based on information from head circumference at birth, symptoms, comorbidities and gross motor function.

OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Significant associations (p < 0.001) were observed between number of comorbidities/symptoms and dimensions A (r = -0.57) and B (r = -0.58) of the GMFM-88. Children were grouped into 3 clusters, with different gross motor skills. Children with epilepsy and dysphagia composed the cluster with smaller median scores for dimensions A and B of the GMFM-88.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The presence of CZS symptoms and comorbidities compromise the gross motor repertoire of children with CZS at 24 months.

Effect of neurodevelopmental treatment-based physical therapy on the change of muscle strength, spasticity, and gross motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of neurodevelopmental treatment-based physical therapy on muscle tone, strength, and gross motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy. [Subjects and Methods] One-hundred-seventy-five children with spastic cerebral palsy (88 diplegia; 78 quadriplegia) received neurodevelopmental treatment-based physical therapy for 35 minutes per day, 2–3 times per week for 1 year. Spasticity, muscle strength, and gross motor function were measured before and after treatment with the Modified Ashworth Scale, Manual Muscle Testing, and Gross Motor Function Measure, respectively. [Results] Spasticity was significantly reduced after 1 year of treatment. The Gross Motor Functional Classification System levels I–II group showed a significant increase in muscle strength compared with the Gross Motor Functional Classification System levels III–V, and the latter showed a significant decrease in spasticity compared with the former. [Conclusion] Neurodevelopmental treatment-based physical therapy in children with cerebral palsy seems to be effective in reducing spasticity, but does not improve gross motor function. Therefore, other interventional approaches are needed to improve gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy.

Rehabilitation outcomes in children with cerebral palsy during a 2 year period

[Purpose] To observe motor and functional progress of children with cerebral palsy during 2 years. [Subjects and Methods] Pediatric cerebral palsy patients aged 3-15 years (n = 35/69) with 24-month follow-up at our outpatient cerebral palsy clinic were evaluated retrospectively. The distribution of cerebral palsy types was as follows: diplegia (n = 19), hemiplegia (n = 4), and quadriplegia (n = 12). Participants were divided into 3 groups according to their Gross Motor Functional Classification System scores (i.e., mild, moderate, and severe). All participants were evaluated initially and at the final assessment 2 years later. During this time, patients were treated 3 times/week. Changes in motor and functional abilities were assessed based on Gross Motor Function Measure-88 and Wee Functional Independence Measure. [Results] Significant improvements were observed in Gross Motor Function Measure-88 and Wee Functional Independence Measure results in all 35 patients at the end of 2 years. The Gross Motor Function Measure-88 scores correlated with Wee Functional Independence Measure Scores. Marked increases in motor and functional capabilities in mild and moderate cerebral palsy patients were observed in the subgroup assessments, but not in those with severe cerebral palsy. [Conclusion] Rehabilitation may greatly help mild and moderate cerebral palsy patients achieve their full potential.

Myofascial Structural Integration Therapy on Gross Motor Function and Gait of Young Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Though the cause of motor abnormalities in cerebral palsy is injury to the brain, structural changes in muscle and fascia may add to stiffness and reduced function. This study examined whether myofascial structural integration therapy, a complementary treatment that manipulates muscle and fascia, would improve gross motor function and gait in children <4 years with cerebral palsy. Participants (N = 29) were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial (NCT01815814, https://goo.gl/TGxvwd) or Open Label Extension. The main outcome was the Gross Motor Function Measure-66 assessed at 3-month intervals. Gait (n = 8) was assessed using the GAITRite(®) electronic walkway. Parents completed a survey at study conclusion. Comparing Treatment (n = 15) and Waitlist-Control groups (n = 9), we found a significant main effect of time but no effect of group or time × group interaction. The pooled sample (n = 27) showed a main effect of time, but no significantly greater change after treatment than between other assessments. Foot length on the affected side increased significantly after treatment, likely indicating improvement in the children's ability to approach a heel strike. Parent surveys indicated satisfaction and improvements in the children's quality of movement. MSI did not increase the rate of motor skill development, but was associated with improvement in gait quality.

Therapeutic potential of human embryonic stem cell transplantation in patients with cerebral palsy

Background

The present study evaluated the efficacy and safety of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) therapy in patients with CP.

Materials and methods

This analysis included patients (30 days-18 yr) with documented diagnosis of CP. The study consisted of four treatment phases (T1, T2, T3, T4) separated by gap phases. Efficacy of hESC therapy was evaluated based on Gross Motor Function Classification Scores Expanded and Revised (GMFCS-E & R; 1-good to 5-bad).

Results

Ninety one patients were included and all received hESC therapy in T1, 66 patients returned for T2, 38 patients for T3, and 15 patients for T4. Overall, 30.2% patients achieved GMFCS-E & R score 1 during the study with different number of patients achieving GMFCS score 1 by the end of each treatment phase (T1: 6 [6.6%]; T2: 7 [10.6%]; T3: 11 [28.9%]; and T4: 5 [33.3%]). All patients in up to 2 yr (n = 10), 2-4 yr (n = 10), 4-6 yr (n = 9), and 6-12 yr (n = 8) age groups except one of the 5 patients in the age group of 12-18 yr transitioned from GMFCS-E & R score 5 to lower scores by end of T1. Most patients transitioned to GMFCS-E & R score 2 (n = 34) from higher scores by end of T2. Eleven patients achieved GMFCS-E & R score 1 by end of T3. No serious adverse events were observed.

Conclusion

Use of hESC therapy in patients with CP is effective and safe. hESC therapy has demonstrated significant improvement in GMFCS-E & R scale.