Gait recovery in a girl with ischemic spinal cord stroke

Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury: A Review

A spinal cord injury (SCI) can be a devastating condition in children, with profound implications for their overall health and quality of life. In this review, we aim to provide a concise overview of the key aspects associated with SCIs in the pediatric population. Firstly, we discuss the etiology and epidemiology of SCIs in children, highlighting the diverse range of causes. We explore the unique anatomical and physiological characteristics of the developing spinal cord that contribute to the specific challenges faced by pediatric patients. Next, we delve into the clinical presentation and diagnostic methods, emphasizing the importance of prompt and accurate diagnosis to facilitate appropriate interventions. Furthermore, we approach the multidisciplinary management of pediatric SCIs, encompassing acute medical care, surgical interventions, and ongoing supportive therapies. Finally, we explore emerging research as well as innovative therapies in the field, and we emphasize the need for continued advancements in understanding and treating SCIs in children to improve their functional independence and overall quality of life.

Using the TUG Test for the Functional Assessment of Patients with Selected Disorders

One of the tests used for quantitative diagnostics is Timed Up-and-Go (TUG), however, no reports were found regarding the percentage share of individual test components, which seems to have a greater diagnostic value in differentiating the functional status of the patients. The aim of the study was to analyze the percentage of the individual components of the TUG test in functional assessment in a population of healthy children and in clinical trials patients with various diseases. Material and Methodology. The material consisted of patients with orthopedic (n = 165), metabolic (n = 116) and neurological dysfunctions (n = 96). Results. The components of the TUG test that differentiated the studied groups of patients to the greatest extent were in the order: relapse tug3%, initial transition tug2%, sitting tug5% and standing up tug1%, while during the final transition tug4% statistically significant differences were found only between healthy children and the studied groups of patients. Conclusions. The TUG test turned out to be a good diagnostic tool, differentiating the studied groups of patients. The analysis of the percentage of the components of the TUG test can help in assessing the mobility of children and adolescents, monitor the effects of physiotherapy or the effects of surgical procedures.

A Systematic Review of the Scientific Literature for Rehabilitation/Habilitation Among Individuals With Pediatric-Onset Spinal Cord Injury

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.

The effects of locomotor training in children with spinal cord injury: a systematic review

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.

Interdisciplinary, Intensive, Activity-Based Treatment for Intrauterine Spinal Cord Infarct: A Case Report

Intrauterine spinal cord infarcts (IUSCI) with resulting tetraplegia are extremely rare, and there is minimal evidence describing outcomes in this population. This case describes the functional progress of a 3-year-old girl born with IUSCI who participated in activity-based therapies (ABT). Children have developing nervous systems and are particularly suited to benefit from ABT. Over the course of treatment, the child in this case has demonstrated improvements in developmental milestone achievement including fine and gross motor skills and social/cognitive development. Intense, interdisciplinary ABT should be considered for the treatment of children with IUSCI.

Training to Improve Walking after Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review of Parameters and Walking Outcomes

Walking or locomotor training is often initiated following pediatric spinal cord injury (SCI). There is no synthesis of the literature on interventions targeting walking for pediatric SCI, although this would assist future clinical trials and interventions. To address this need, we completed a systematic review to summarize the who, what, when, and how of walking interventions in children with SCI. Participant characteristics, training parameters, and walking outcomes with training in pediatric SCI were identified and compared with training parameters and outcomes in adults with SCI. The PubMed, Medline, AMED, Embase, PsycInfo, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and CINAHL databases were searched for studies that included participants aged 1-17 years with a SCI acquired post-birth, physical interventions, and pre- and post-training walking measures. Two researchers evaluated each study's risk of bias using a domain-based approach. Training parameters and walking outcomes were extracted. Total training duration (duration × frequency × number of weeks) was calculated. Thirteen pediatric studies (n = 43 children) were included; all but one were case series/reports. Risk of bias was high in the pediatric studies. A 2012 adult review was updated (11 studies added). As with adults, the training durations, frequencies, and modes used with the children varied; however, overground walking practice was included in 10/13 pediatric studies. Improvements in walking capacity, speed, and distance were comparable between children and adults. There was a trend for greater gains with greater total training durations. There is a paucity of high-quality research examining interventions targeting walking after pediatric SCI; however, intensive training, including practice overground, results in notable improvements.