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Daher A, Dar G. Physician referrals of patients with neck and low back pain for physical therapy in outpatient clinics: a cross-sectional study. Isr J Health Policy Res 2025; 14:20. [PMID: 40181474 PMCID: PMC11970003 DOI: 10.1186/s13584-025-00683-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2025] [Indexed: 04/05/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients commonly seek outpatient physical therapy services for musculoskeletal disorders. Understanding these patient groups in Israel provides valuable insights into the healthcare system. We aimed to investigate physician referral patterns for physical therapy across different age and sex groups, focusing on neck and low back pain. Additionally, we sought to explore the therapeutic interventions provided by physical therapists for these conditions. METHODS For this retrospective, cross-sectional study we utilized data from a national health maintenance organization covering > 4 million people at 100 physical therapy outpatient clinics. We measured the prevalence rates of physicians' referral patterns for neck and low back pain according to age and sex, as well as therapeutic interventions prescribed by physical therapists. We used Z-tests to assess the differences in prevalence rates between women and men within the same age group. Logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the likelihood of patients of a specific age group being referred to physical therapy compared with the total sample. We analyzed prevalence rates of different treatment protocols used by physical therapists according to these referrals. RESULTS Overall, 1,593,592 physician referrals for physical therapy were made over 6 years for all musculoskeletal conditions. Of those, 32.4% were for spine disorders, with 21.2% for low back pain and 11.1% for neck pain, mostly chronic (80.6% and 72.7%, respectively). Women were more likely than men to be referred for both low back pain (odds ratio = 1.36, 95% confidence interval = 1.34-1.38, p < 0.001) and neck pain (1.40, 1.37-1.43, p < 0.001). All referral rates increased with age. The most common treatment provided by physical therapists for neck and low back pain was education and advice for an active lifestyle. CONCLUSIONS This study provides comprehensive data that highlight significant trends related to age, acuteness, and sex. Chronic low back and neck pain are the predominant reasons for physical therapy referrals, particularly among women and older adults. Physician referrals for neck and low back pain aligned with the epidemiology of such conditions in the Israeli population, underscoring the need for targeted rehabilitation strategies, early intervention programs, and effective healthcare service planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Daher
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Studies, Zefat Academic College, Zefat, Israel
- Department of Health Systems Administration, Max Stern Academic College of Emek Yezreel, Yezreel Valley, Israel
| | - Gali Dar
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
- Physical Therapy Clinic, The Ribstein Center for Sport Medicine Sciences and Research, Wingate Institute, Netanya, Israel.
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Håkstad RB, Dusing SC, Girolami GL, Øberg GK, De Jaegher H. Learning to play to learn in pediatric physical therapy. Front Psychol 2025; 15:1467323. [PMID: 39834778 PMCID: PMC11743683 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1467323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 12/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2025] Open
Abstract
Introduction Play is a way for children to develop and learn about themselves in conjunction with the world. Using play as part of pediatric physical therapy is broadly recommended. This study investigates this integration of play and seeks to answer the research question: How do pediatric physical therapists (PPT) understand and manage embedding play in pediatric physical therapy with children aged 0-3? Methods This is a qualitative study in which we connect to an enactive theoretical framework. We interviewed 14 PPTs about their use of play, including video-elicited questions while viewing recordings of their therapy sessions. Our results were developed through an abductive thematic analysis. Results The PPTs acknowledge play as a foundation of children's learning and a vital component of physical therapy. They explain that play and therapy often co-exist and intertwine, but they also experience tensions when they strive to make play therapeutic. The PPTs find it taxing to engage in play with children who present with limited interaction and play skills, and voice concern for children who struggle to engage in interactional play. Discussion Trusting play and letting play emerge through shared sense-making can resolve challenges and enable PPTs to discover new therapeutic opportunities. A child's striving and overcoming of resistance can be infused with playfulness and make play thrive. We invite PPTs to experiment with the emerging opportunities and boundaries between therapy and play during treatment sessions. Respect for the child's autonomy, attention to the child's play experience, and repairs of interactional mismatches are crucial in this process. Therapeutic guidance and mutuality in interactions can empower children to learn to play to learn new skills and experience mastery as they explore and venture beyond what they already know.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragnhild B. Håkstad
- Department of Health and Care Sciences, Faculty of Health, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Stacey C. Dusing
- Motor Development Lab, Department of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Gay L. Girolami
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Gunn Kristin Øberg
- Department of Health and Care Sciences, Faculty of Health, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Hanne De Jaegher
- Chat Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
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Mitteregger E, Dirks T, Theiler M, Kretschmar O, Latal B. The implementation of EMI-Heart, a family-tailored early motor intervention in infants with complex congenital heart disease, in practice: a feasibility RCT. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2024; 10:105. [PMID: 39095881 PMCID: PMC11295334 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-024-01532-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) who undergo open-heart surgery are at risk of developmental impairment, including motor delay, which contributes to parental concerns. Additionally, parents experience prolonged stress associated with their child's disease. There is a lack of early motor interventions in infants with CHD accounting for parental burdens. We developed a family-tailored early motor intervention (EMI-Heart), aiming to promote motor development in infants with CHD and family well-being. The primary aim was to evaluate the feasibility of the study design and the intervention. The secondary aim was to evaluate differences between the intervention and the control group in motor outcomes and family well-being at baseline (3-5 months), post-treatment (6-8 months), and at follow-up (12 months). METHOD In this single-centre feasibility randomized control trial (RCT), infants with CHD after open-heart surgery without genetic or major neurological comorbidities were randomly allocated to EMI-Heart or the control group (standard of care). EMI-Heart's key elements promote postural functional activities and encourage parental sensitivity to infants' motor and behaviour cues. Infants assigned to EMI-Heart received nine sessions of early motor intervention at home, in the hospital, and online for a duration of 3 months by a paediatric physiotherapist. We performed descriptive statistics for feasibility and secondary outcomes. RESULTS The recruitment rate was 59% (10/17), all participating families completed the study (10/10), and the intervention duration was 3.9 months (± 0.54), including nine intervention sessions per family. Median acceptability to parents was 3.9 (1 = not agree-4 = totally agree, Likert scale). The paediatric physiotherapist considered the intervention as feasible. The comparison of motor outcomes did not show differences between groups. However, we detected improved reliable change scores in family well-being outcomes for families of the intervention group compared to the controls. CONCLUSIONS Our research indicates that EMI-Heart is a feasible intervention for infants with CHD after open-heart surgery. The intervention was highly acceptable both to parents and to the paediatric physiotherapist. Online treatment sessions offer a valuable alternative to home and hospital visits. This feasibility RCT provides a foundation for a future full trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCTT04666857. Registered 23.11.2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Mitteregger
- Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, Zurich, CH-8032, Switzerland.
- Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Tineke Dirks
- Lecturer Emerita, Paediatric, Physiotherapy, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Manuela Theiler
- Swiss Parents' Association for Children with Heart Disease (Elternvereinigung für das Herzkranke Kind), Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Kretschmar
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beatrice Latal
- Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, Zurich, CH-8032, Switzerland
- Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Balikci A, May-Benson TA, Sirma GC, Ilbay G. HEP ® (Homeostasis-Enrichment-Plasticity) Approach Changes Sensory-Motor Development Trajectory and Improves Parental Goals: A Single Subject Study of an Infant with Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy and Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence (TAPS). CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:876. [PMID: 39062325 PMCID: PMC11276252 DOI: 10.3390/children11070876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early intervention (EI) for infants identified as being at high risk for cerebral palsy (CP), or who have been diagnosed with it, is critical for promotion of postnatal brain organization. The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of the Homeostasis-Enrichment-Plasticity (HEP) Approach, which is a contemporary EI model that applies the key principles of enriched environment paradigms and neuronal plasticity from experimental animal studies to ecological theories of human development on the motor development, sensory functions, and parental goals of an infant with twin anemia polycythemia sequence (TAPS) and CP. METHODS An AB phase with follow-up single case study design which consisted of multiple baseline assessments with the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2 (PDMS-2) and the Test of Sensory Functions in Infants (TSFI) was used. Non-overlapping confidence intervals analysis was used for pre-post PDMS-2 scores. The measurement of progress toward goals and objectives was conducted using the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS). The HEP Approach intervention consisted of 12 one-hour sessions implemented over a period of 3 months, where a physical therapist provided weekly clinic-based parental coaching. RESULTS Results found a stable baseline during Phase A and improvement in response to the HEP Approach intervention during Phase B in both the PDMS-2 and TSFI according to 2SD Band analysis. The confidence intervals for the PDMS-2 scores also indicated a significant improvement after HEP intervention. The scores for both the PDMS-2 and the TSFI were consistent or showed improvement throughout the Follow-Up phase. A GAS t-score of 77.14 indicated that the infant exceeded intervention goal expectations. CONCLUSIONS Although our findings suggest that the HEP Approach intervention has promise in enhancing sensory functions, motor skill outcomes, and parental goals in an infant with TAPS and CP, further research is required to validate and apply these results more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gamze Cagla Sirma
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Fenerbahçe University, Istanbul 34758, Türkiye;
| | - Gul Ilbay
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli 41001, Türkiye;
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Faccioli S, Sassi S, Pagliano E, Maghini C, Perazza S, Siani MF, Sgherri G, Farella GM, Foscan M, Viganò M, Sghedoni S, Bai AV, Borelli G, Ferrari A. Care Pathways in Rehabilitation for Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: Distinctiveness of the Adaptation to the Italian Context. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:852. [PMID: 39062302 PMCID: PMC11275177 DOI: 10.3390/children11070852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2020, a multiprofessional panel was set up in collaboration with the Italian FightTheStroke Foundation family association to produce evidence-based recommendations for the management and neuromotor rehabilitation of persons with cerebral palsy aged 2-18 years to implement in clinical practice in Italy. METHODS The recommendations of these care pathways were developed according to the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine guidelines for Care Pathways Development and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation working group for adoption, adaptation, or de novo development of recommendations from high-quality guidelines (GRADE-ADOLOPMENT). RESULTS Four strong positive recommendations were developed regarding comprehensive management, and twenty-four addressed neuromotor treatment. CONCLUSIONS A holistic, individualized approach was affirmed in terms of both multidimensional patient profile and interdisciplinary management in a network with the school where children and adolescents are integrated. It was defined that all motor rehabilitation approaches must be individually tailored considering age and developmentally appropriate activities as interventions and goals, in light of the reference curves addressing prognosis for Gross Motor Function and Manual Ability Classification Systems. Intervention must be structured with adaptations of the task and/or of the context (objects and environment) based on the analysis of the child's skills to support motivation and avoid frustration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Faccioli
- Paediatric Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (S.S.); (S.P.); (S.S.); (G.B.); (A.F.)
- PhD Program in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Silvia Sassi
- Paediatric Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (S.S.); (S.P.); (S.S.); (G.B.); (A.F.)
| | - Emanuela Pagliano
- Neurodevelopmental Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (E.P.); (M.F.); (M.V.)
| | - Cristina Maghini
- Functional Rehabilitation Unit, IRCCS E. Medea, Associazione La Nostra Famiglia, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy;
| | - Silvia Perazza
- Paediatric Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (S.S.); (S.P.); (S.S.); (G.B.); (A.F.)
| | - Maria Francesca Siani
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, S. Maria delle Croci Hospital, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale Romagna, 48121 Ravenna, Italy;
| | - Giada Sgherri
- Developmental Neuroscience Clinical Department, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (G.S.); (A.V.B.)
| | | | - Maria Foscan
- Neurodevelopmental Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (E.P.); (M.F.); (M.V.)
| | - Marta Viganò
- Neurodevelopmental Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (E.P.); (M.F.); (M.V.)
| | - Silvia Sghedoni
- Paediatric Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (S.S.); (S.P.); (S.S.); (G.B.); (A.F.)
| | - Arianna Valeria Bai
- Developmental Neuroscience Clinical Department, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (G.S.); (A.V.B.)
| | - Giulia Borelli
- Paediatric Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (S.S.); (S.P.); (S.S.); (G.B.); (A.F.)
| | - Adriano Ferrari
- Paediatric Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (S.S.); (S.P.); (S.S.); (G.B.); (A.F.)
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Calvo-Fuente V, Soto-Vidal C, Ramón-Corcoba A, Cerezo-Téllez E, Pérez-Martín Y, Pacheco-da-Costa S. Efficacy of Kinesiotape to Improve Upper-Extremity Function in Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:480. [PMID: 38671697 PMCID: PMC11049093 DOI: 10.3390/children11040480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the primary causes of physical disabilities in children that affects posture and movement. Upper-extremity (UE) function is frequently impaired, which may result in activity and participation limitations in people with CP. The use of kinesiotape (KT) has increased in the treatment of CP for various purposes. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy of KT for improving UE function in children and adolescents with CP. METHODS The literature search was carried out in PubMed, Cochrane, PEDro, Web of Science and SCOPUS databases. The methodological quality was analyzed with the PEDro scale. Review Manager (RevMan 5.4.1) was used for data extraction and risk of bias assessment. RESULTS A total of five randomized clinical trials were included. The use of KT showed improvement in UE functionality in three studies, with significant outcomes for range of motion (ROM) (three studies), fine motor skills (two studies), grip strength (one study) and manual dexterity (one study). Moreover, it also showed significant improvements in spasticity and gross motor function (one study). Overall, methodological quality was moderate, and the risk of bias was high in the domains related to blinding. CONCLUSION The use of KT showed improvement in UE function in children and adolescents with CP. However, further research is needed to reinforce the conclusions on the efficacy of KT as a therapeutic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Calvo-Fuente
- Neuromusculoskeletal Physical Therapy in Stages of Life Research Group (FINEMEV), Department of Nursing and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad de Alcalá, Autovía A2, km 33.200, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (V.C.-F.); (E.C.-T.); (S.P.-d.-C.)
| | - Concepción Soto-Vidal
- Neuromusculoskeletal Physical Therapy in Stages of Life Research Group (FINEMEV), Department of Nursing and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad de Alcalá, Autovía A2, km 33.200, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (V.C.-F.); (E.C.-T.); (S.P.-d.-C.)
| | | | - Ester Cerezo-Téllez
- Neuromusculoskeletal Physical Therapy in Stages of Life Research Group (FINEMEV), Department of Nursing and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad de Alcalá, Autovía A2, km 33.200, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (V.C.-F.); (E.C.-T.); (S.P.-d.-C.)
| | - Yolanda Pérez-Martín
- Humanization in the Intervention of Physiotherapy for the Integral Attention to the People (HIPATIA), Department of Nursing and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad de Alcalá, Autovía A2, km 33.200, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Soraya Pacheco-da-Costa
- Neuromusculoskeletal Physical Therapy in Stages of Life Research Group (FINEMEV), Department of Nursing and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad de Alcalá, Autovía A2, km 33.200, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (V.C.-F.); (E.C.-T.); (S.P.-d.-C.)
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Smythe T, Scherer N, Nanyunja C, Tann CJ, Olusanya BO. Strategies for addressing the needs of children with or at risk of developmental disabilities in early childhood by 2030: a systematic umbrella review. BMC Med 2024; 22:51. [PMID: 38302917 PMCID: PMC10835858 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03265-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are over 53million children worldwide under five with developmental disabilities who require effective interventions to support their health and well-being. However, challenges in delivering interventions persist due to various barriers, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries. METHODS We conducted a global systematic umbrella review to assess the evidence on prevention, early detection and rehabilitation interventions for child functioning outcomes related to developmental disabilities in children under 5 years. We focused on prevalent disabilities worldwide and identified evidence-based interventions. We searched Medline, Embase, PsychINFO, and Cochrane Library for relevant literature from 1st January 2013 to 14th April 2023. A narrative synthesis approach was used to summarise the findings of the included meta-analyses. The results were presented descriptively, including study characteristics, interventions assessed, and outcomes reported. Further, as part of a secondary analysis, we presented the global prevalence of each disability in 2019 from the Global Burden of Disease study, identified the regions with the highest burden and the top ten affected countries. This study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42023420099. RESULTS We included 18 reviews from 883 citations, which included 1,273,444 children under five with or at risk of developmental disabilities from 251 studies across 30 countries. The conditions with adequate data were cerebral palsy, hearing loss, cognitive impairment, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. ASD was the most prevalent target disability (n = 8 reviews, 44%). Most reviews (n = 12, 67%) evaluated early interventions to support behavioural functioning and motor impairment. Only 33% (n = 10/30) of studies in the reviews were from middle-income countries, with no studies from low-income countries. Regarding quality, half of reviews were scored as high confidence (n = 9/18, 50%), seven as moderate (39%) and two (11%) as low. CONCLUSIONS We identified geographical and disability-related inequities. There is a lack of evidence from outside high-income settings. The study underscores gaps in evidence concerning prevention, identification and intervention, revealing a stark mismatch between the available evidence base and the regions experiencing the highest prevalence rates of developmental disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey Smythe
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Division of Physiotherapy, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Nathaniel Scherer
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Carol Nanyunja
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Infectious Disease On Epidemiology & International Health, School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Cally J Tann
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Infectious Disease On Epidemiology & International Health, School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Neonatal Medicine, University College London NHS Trust, London, UK
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Gatica-Rojas V, Cartes-Velásquez R, Soto-Poblete A, Lizama LEC. Postural control telerehabilitation with a low-cost virtual reality protocol for children with cerebral palsy: Protocol for a clinical trial. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0268163. [PMID: 37590295 PMCID: PMC10434878 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish the feasibility and effectiveness of a rehabilitation programme using low-cost virtual reality aimed at improving postural control in children with cerebral palsy-spastic hemiplegia. It also aims to compare the effectiveness of this programme under two delivery modalities, telerehabilitation (TR) and face-to-face (FtF). METHODS This is a registered randomized controlled clinical trial protocol (ACTRN12621000117819). Eighteen sessions of low-cost virtual reality therapy will be provided through both, FtF and TR modalities using a Nintendo Wii balance board. Each programme will last for 6 weeks and will consist of 3 sessions per week of 25 minutes each. Twenty patients diagnosed with cerebral palsy-spastic hemiplegia will be recruited for each group: FtF or TR (n = 40). Participants will be assessed at baseline, by the end of weeks 2, 4, and 6, and at weeks 8 and 10 (post-intervention follow-ups). The primary outcome will be the Center of Pressure sway area (CoParea); secondary outcomes will be standard deviation and velocity of the CoP in the mediolateral and anterior-posterior directions; tertiary outcomes will include the Modified-Modified Ashworth Scale for lower limbs, Modified Ashworth Scale for upper limbs, timed up-and-go tests, the timed one-leg standing and 6-minute walk test. RESULTS This study provides an assessment of the feasibility and effectiveness of an affordable rehabilitation programme using low-cost virtual reality aimed at improving postural control in children with cerebral palsy. CONCLUSION The designed rehabilitation programme using low-cost virtual reality may improve postural control in children with cerebral palsy-spastic hemiplegia. The TR modality is likely to be as effective as the FtF modality. The TR programme has been designed to overcome access barriers to physiotherapy services for children with cerebral palsy in low-resource settings, remote areas, and in restricted mobility contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeska Gatica-Rojas
- Tele-rehabilitation Technology Center and Neurosciences in Human Movement, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
| | | | - Alex Soto-Poblete
- Institute of Mathematics and Physics, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
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Jawed A, Mowry M. Strengthening Equitable Access to Care and Support for Children with Cerebral Palsy and Their Caregivers. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:994. [PMID: 37371227 DOI: 10.3390/children10060994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral palsy is one of the most prevalent groups of motor disorders affecting children and adults across the world. As increasingly more children with cerebral palsy are living longer into adulthood, it is ever more crucial to ensure access to timely and needed early intervention from the onset of diagnosis, on a continuum, to optimize medical, developmental, socio-emotional, and academic outcomes for these children over time. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), in collaboration with the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM), substantially revised the clinical practice guidelines for cerebral palsy in 2022, after their prior publication of the guidelines in 2006. The revised guidelines account for a range of considerations that are in line with the biopsychosocial, risk and resilience, and family-centered care models as well as promote a more strengths-based approach to care. Furthermore, there is increased emphasis in the guidelines on promoting equitable access to care as part of contributing towards health equity for all children with cerebral palsy. In addition, the 2022 guidelines clearly present recommendations for earlier diagnosis of cerebral palsy, potentially as early as infancy, as the basis for activating access to early intervention services for children that can bolster their neuroplasticity and global development from an earlier age onward. We consolidate the existing literature on caregiver perceptions, beliefs and concerns surrounding earlier diagnosis of cerebral palsy and connect them to the recommendations in the revised guidelines. We also delineate several considerations surrounding education for healthcare providers and caregivers of children in navigating the chronicity of cerebral palsy in both community and healthcare contexts. There is a scant amount of literature on cerebral palsy across traditional and nontraditional sources of media in published studies, which we also review. Lastly, we present a wealth of recommendations for further research and practice that account for the revised 2022 guidelines, caregiver preferences and acceptability of care, and health equity as the bases for strengthening equitable access to care for children with cerebral palsy on a continuum as they transition into adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysha Jawed
- Johns Hopkins Children's Center, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Pediatric Social Work, Johns Hopkins Children's Center, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Michelle Mowry
- Johns Hopkins Children's Center, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Johns Hopkins Children's Center, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Faccioli S, Pagliano E, Ferrari A, Maghini C, Siani MF, Sgherri G, Cappetta G, Borelli G, Farella GM, Foscan M, Viganò M, Sghedoni S, Perazza S, Sassi S. Evidence-based management and motor rehabilitation of cerebral palsy children and adolescents: a systematic review. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1171224. [PMID: 37305763 PMCID: PMC10248244 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1171224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence regarding the management of several aspects of cerebral palsy improved in recent years. Still, discrepancies are reported in clinical practice. Italian professionals and stakeholders expressed the need of setting up updated, evidenced-based, shared statements, to address clinical practice in cerebral palsy rehabilitation. The objective of the present study was to provide an updated overview of the state of knowledge, regarding the management and motor rehabilitation of children and young people with cerebral palsy, as the framework to develop evidence-based recommendations on this topic. Methods Guidelines and systematic reviews were searched, relative to evidence-based management and motor treatment, aimed at improving gross motor and manual function and activities, in subjects with cerebral palsy, aged 2-18 years. A systematic search according to the Patients Intervention Control Outcome framework was executed on multiple sites. Independent evaluators provided selection and quality assessment of the studies and extraction of data. Results Four guidelines, 43 systematic reviews, and three primary studies were included. Agreement among guidelines was reported relative to the general requirements of management and motor treatment. Considering the subject's multidimensional profile, age and developmentally appropriate activities were recommended to set individual goals and interventions. Only a few approaches were supported by high-level evidence (i.e., bimanual therapy and constraint-induced movement therapy to enhance manual performance). Several task-specific active approaches, to improve gross motor function and gait, were reported (mobility and gait training, cycling, backward gait, and treadmill), based on low-level evidence. Increasing daily physical activity and countering sedentary behavior were advised. Based on the available evidence, non-invasive brain stimulation, virtual reality, action-observation therapy, hydrotherapy, and hippotherapy might be complementary to task or goal-oriented physical therapy programs. Conclusion A multiple-disciplinary family-centered evidence-based management is recommended. All motor rehabilitation approaches to minors affected by cerebral palsy must share the following fundamental characteristics: engaging active involvement of the subject, individualized, age and developmentally appropriate, goal-directed, skill-based, and preferably intensive and time-limited, but suitable for the needs and preferences of the child or young person and their family, and feasible considering the implications for themselves and possible contextual limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Faccioli
- Children Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Ph.D. Program in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Emanuela Pagliano
- Neurodevelopmental Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Adriano Ferrari
- Children Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Cristina Maghini
- Functional Rehabilitation Unit, IRCCS E. Medea, Associazione La Nostra Famiglia, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Maria F. Siani
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, S. Maria delle Croci Hospital, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale Romagna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Giada Sgherri
- Developmental Neuroscience Clinical Department, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gina Cappetta
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Infermi Hospital, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale Romagna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Giulia Borelli
- Children Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Giuseppina M. Farella
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Foscan
- Neurodevelopmental Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Viganò
- Neurodevelopmental Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Sghedoni
- Children Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Silvia Perazza
- Children Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Silvia Sassi
- Children Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
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11
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Park M, Kim J, Yu C, Lim H. The Effects of Neurodevelopmental Treatment-Based Trunk Control Exercise on Gross Motor Function and Trunk Control in Children with Developmental Disabilities. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11101446. [PMID: 37239732 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11101446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Good trunk control is essential for higher developmental stages as the trunk is activated first when movement occurs, providing stability for the head and extremities. PURPOSE To determine if neurodevelopmental treatment-based trunk control exercise (NDT-TCE) is effective in improving gross motor function and trunk control in children with developmental disabilities (DD). MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty children with developmental disabilities were randomly assigned to the NDT-TCE (12 children) and control (8 children) groups. RESULTS After the intervention; the NDT-TCE group showed improvement in GMFM (Gross Motor Function Measure; except for the GMFM-E dimension) and SATCo scores. The control group showed improvement in GMFM-A; B; C; and total scores; as well as static and active control of SATCo. The NDT-TCE group had a significant improvement in the GMFM B dimension and total score compared to the control group. The NDT-TCE group showed a significant improvement in static and active control of SATCo compared to the control group, but there was no significant difference in reactive control. CONCLUSIONS The NDT-TCE intervention specifically improved GMFM-B and trunk control scores. Therefore, NDT-TCE can be applied as a trunk-focused intervention for children with DD who have difficulty controlling their trunk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miho Park
- Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongseon Kim
- Department of Physical Therapy, Gangdong University, Eumseong-gun 27600, Republic of Korea
| | - Changseon Yu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoungwon Lim
- Dankook University Disabled Rehabilitation Research Institute, Department of Physical Therapy, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea
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12
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Abstract
Early childhood affords rapid brain development and advancement of the motor system. In High-Risk Infant Follow-Up programs, watchful waiting and monitoring of infants at high risk is shifting toward active surveillance and early diagnosis, followed by immediate targeted very early interventions. Infants with delayed motor skills benefit from developmental care, NIDCAP, and generic or specific motor training. Infants with cerebral palsy benefit from enrichment, targeted skills interventions, and task-specific motor training at high intensity. Infants with degenerative conditions benefit from enrichment but also require accommodations such as powered mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynda McNamara
- The Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Catherine Morgan
- Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute, Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, PO Box 171, Forestville, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Iona Novak
- Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute, Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, PO Box 171, Forestville, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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13
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Spirina MA, Vlasova TI, Sitdikova AV, Shamrova EA. [Problems and prospects of kinesiotaping use in clinical practice]. VOPROSY KURORTOLOGII, FIZIOTERAPII, I LECHEBNOI FIZICHESKOI KULTURY 2023; 100:51-57. [PMID: 37427821 DOI: 10.17116/kurort202310003151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Currently the concept of kinesiotaping has become widespread. Kinesiotaping, which was originally implemented in sports medicine, is increasingly used in rehabilitation and various spheres of medicine, such as orthopedics, traumatology, pediatrics, etc. In recent years, the new publications about the kinesiotaping use in neurology and rheumatology have been released, where previously unknown effects, such as improved sensory feedback, have been demonstrated. Great attention is paid to comparative studies of the effects of kinesiotaping and other methods of taping, which have been used for many years. Nevertheless, despite the popularity of this physical therapy and rehabilitation method, the number of scientific studies supporting its use remains insufficient. The effects originally attributed to kinesiotaping are still controversial, and there is insufficient scientific evidence supporting them. It is not reliably determined whether the tape has a tonic or relaxing effect due to the stimulation of the mechanoreceptors and how the taping affects fascial tissue. Its effect on the reduction of pressure in subcutaneous structures, its mechanisms of action on the microcirculatory bloodstream by stimulating exteroceptors and proprioceptors is unclear. The difficulty of kinesiotaping efficacy evaluation consists in the variety of techniques and the necessity to choose the location of the tape applying, its shape, the suitable tension and adhesion time. The article represents the results of the latest scientific researches on the pathogenetic mechanisms of kinesiotaping and efficacy of this technique in various nosologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Spirina
- N.P. Ogarev National Research Mordovian State University, Saransk, Russia
| | - T I Vlasova
- N.P. Ogarev National Research Mordovian State University, Saransk, Russia
| | - A V Sitdikova
- N.P. Ogarev National Research Mordovian State University, Saransk, Russia
| | - E A Shamrova
- N.P. Ogarev National Research Mordovian State University, Saransk, Russia
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14
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Mitteregger E, Dirks T, Theiler M, Kretschmar O, Latal B. A family-tailored early motor intervention (EMI-Heart) for infants with complex congenital heart disease: study protocol for a feasibility RCT. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2022; 8:263. [PMID: 36564855 PMCID: PMC9784271 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-022-01220-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) undergoing open-heart surgery are at risk for developmental impairments with motor delay manifesting first and contributing to parental concerns. Only a few interventional studies aim to improve neuromotor development in infants with CHD with inconclusive results. We thus developed a family-tailored early motor intervention (EMI-Heart), which aims to promote motor development and family well-being in the first year of life after open-heart surgery. The primary aim described in this protocol is to evaluate feasibility of EMI-Heart. The secondary aim is to describe the difference between the intervention and control group in motor outcomes and family well-being at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up. METHODS This prospective, parallel single-center feasibility randomized controlled trial (RCT) will compare EMI-Heart with standard of care in infants with complex CHD. Sixteen infants and their families, randomly allocated to EMI-Heart or the control group, will participate within the first 5 months of life. Infants assigned to EMI-Heart will receive early motor intervention for 3 months. The intervention's key is to promote infants' postural control to enhance motor development and partnering with parents to encourage family well-being. Feasibility outcomes will be (a) clinical recruitment rate and percentage of families completing EMI-Heart, (b) average duration and number of sessions, and (c) acceptability of EMI-Heart using a parental questionnaire post-treatment, and descriptive acceptability of EMI-Heart to the pediatric physiotherapist. Secondary outcomes of the intervention and control group will be infants' motor outcomes and questionnaires assessing family well-being at 3-5 months (baseline), at 6-8 months (post-treatment), and at 12 months of age (follow-up). We will evaluate feasibility using descriptive statistics. Non-parametric statistical analysis of secondary outcomes will assess differences between the groups at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up. DISCUSSION This feasibility RCT will provide information about a newly developed family-tailored early motor intervention in infants with complex CHD. The RCT design will provide a foundation for a future large-scale interventional trial for infants with CHD after open-heart surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study protocol (version 1.3, 01.02.2022) was approved by the Cantonal Ethics Commission Zurich (BASEC-Nr. 2019-01,787) and is registered by Clinicaltrials.gov (NCTT04666857).
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Mitteregger
- grid.412341.10000 0001 0726 4330Child Development Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.412341.10000 0001 0726 4330Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tineke Dirks
- Paediatric Physiotherapy, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Manuela Theiler
- Swiss Parents’ Association for the Child With Heart Disease (Elternvereinigung Für das Herzkranke Kind), Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Kretschmar
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.412341.10000 0001 0726 4330Department of Pediatric Cardiology, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beatrice Latal
- grid.412341.10000 0001 0726 4330Child Development Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.412341.10000 0001 0726 4330Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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15
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Cortés-Pérez I, González-González N, Peinado-Rubia AB, Nieto-Escamez FA, Obrero-Gaitán E, García-López H. Efficacy of Robot-Assisted Gait Therapy Compared to Conventional Therapy or Treadmill Training in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:9910. [PMID: 36560281 PMCID: PMC9785795 DOI: 10.3390/s22249910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motor, gait and balance disorders reduce functional capabilities for activities of daily living in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Robot-assisted gait therapy (RAGT) is being used to complement conventional therapy (CT) or treadmill therapy (TT) in CP rehabilitation. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the effect of RAGT on gait, balance and functional independence in CP children, in comparison to CT or TT. METHODS We have conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis. A search in PubMed Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, PEDro and SciELO has been conducted for articles published until October 2022. Controlled clinical trials (CCT), in which RAGT was compared to TT or CT and assessed gait speed, step and stride length, width step, walking distance, cadence, standing ability, walking, running and jumping ability, gross motor function and functional independence in children with CP, have been included. Methodological quality was assessed with the PEDro scale and the pooled effect was calculated with Cohen's Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) and its 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI). RESULTS A total of 15 CCTs have been included, providing data from 413 participants, with an averaged methodological quality of 5.73 ± 1.1 points in PEDro. The main findings of this review are that RAGT shows better results than CT in the post-intervention assessment for gait speed (SMD 0.56; 95% CI 0.03 to 1.1), walking distance (SMD 2; 95% CI 0.36 to 3.65) and walking, running and jumping ability (SMD 0.63; 95% CI 0.12 to 1.14). CONCLUSIONS This study shows that the effect of RAGT is superior to CT on gait speed, walking distance and walking, running and jumping ability in post-intervention, although no differences were found between RAGT and TT or CT for the remaining variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Cortés-Pérez
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almería, Road Sacramento s/n, 04120 Almería, Spain
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaen, Campus las Lagunillas, 23071 Jaén, Spain
| | | | | | - Francisco Antonio Nieto-Escamez
- Department of Psychology, University of Almería, Road Sacramento s/n, La Cañada, 04120 Almería, Spain
- Center for Neuropsychological Assessment and Neurorehabilitation (CERNEP), University of Almería, Road Sacramento s/n, La Cañada, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Esteban Obrero-Gaitán
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaen, Campus las Lagunillas, 23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - Héctor García-López
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almería, Road Sacramento s/n, 04120 Almería, Spain
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16
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Effectiveness of Mechanical Horse-Riding Simulator-Based Interventions in Patients with Cerebral Palsy-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. BIOENGINEERING (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:bioengineering9120790. [PMID: 36550996 PMCID: PMC9774556 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9120790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mechanical horse-riding simulator (HRS) exercises are a type of therapy based on the use of robotic or mechanical devices that produces movement similar to a real horse with the aim of simulating hippotherapy. This review analyses the effectiveness of HRS therapies in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS A systematic review and a meta-analysis were carried out by searching studies in PubMed Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science, CINAHL, PEDro and SciELO up until October 2022. We selected clinical trials that assessed the effectiveness of HRS therapy, compared to other interventions, in patients with CP. The main variables were gross motor function (its global score and dimensions, such as sitting ability), functional balance, spasticity, hip range of motion (ROM), posturographic balance and satisfaction. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. The pooled effect was calculated using Cohen's Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) for a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). RESULTS Twelve studies were included in the systematic review, and 10 were included in the meta-analysis, providing data from 343 patients with spastic diplegic CP. Our findings revealed that HRS plus physiotherapy is more effective than physiotherapy in improving the total gross motor function (SMD 0.98; 95% CI 0.35-1.62), sitting ability of the gross motor function (SMD 0.84; 95% CI 0.32-1.36) and functional balance (SMD 0.6; 95% CI 0.1-1.08), and HRS therapy is better than sham to improve pelvic abduction ROM (SMD 0.79; 95% CI 0.21-1.37). CONCLUSIONS Horse-riding simulator-based therapy is an effective therapy to improve gross motor function, functional balance and abduction pelvic ROM in children with CP, in comparison to physiotherapy or sham.
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17
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Botulinum Toxin Intervention in Cerebral Palsy-Induced Spasticity Management: Projected and Contradictory Effects on Skeletal Muscles. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14110772. [PMID: 36356022 PMCID: PMC9692445 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14110772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Spasticity, following the neurological disorder of cerebral palsy (CP), describes a pathological condition, the central feature of which is involuntary and prolonged muscle contraction. The persistent resistance of spastic muscles to stretching is often followed by structural and mechanical changes in musculature. This leads to functional limitations at the respective joint. Focal injection of botulinum toxin type-A (BTX-A) is effectively used to manage spasticity and improve the quality of life of the patients. By blocking acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction and causing temporary muscle paralysis, BTX-A aims to reduce spasticity and hereby improve joint function. However, recent studies have indicated some contradictory effects such as increased muscle stiffness or a narrower range of active force production. The potential of these toxin- and atrophy-related alterations in worsening the condition of spastic muscles that are already subjected to changes should be further investigated and quantified. By focusing on the effects of BTX-A on muscle biomechanics and overall function in children with CP, this review deals with which of these goals have been achieved and to what extent, and what can await us in the future.
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18
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Song EJ, Lee EJ, Kwon HY. The effects of sling exercise program on balance and body activities in children with spastic cerebral palsy. J Exerc Rehabil 2022; 17:410-417. [PMID: 35036390 PMCID: PMC8743608 DOI: 10.12965/jer.2142608.304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the static and dynamic balance and body activities after administering a trunk stability exercise program using a sling for children with spastic cerebral palsy of Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III–IV. This study was conducted based on a quasi-experimental study design. Six of the study participants were assigned to the control group and six were assigned to the experimental group using simple random sampling. Both groups underwent a double-blind clinical trial study in which exercise therapy was performed for 40 min twice a week for 8 weeks. The experimental group underwent the sling exercise program and the control group underwent neuro-developmental treatment. The results showed that static and dynamic balance were significantly different before and after intervention in both the experimental and control groups (P<0.05), and there was also a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). Gross motor function and activities of daily life showed significant improvement before and after intervention in the experimental group (P<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference in the control group (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). Therefore, the sling exercise program can be used as an effective treatment for improving balance and physical activity in children with cerebral palsy of GMFCS levels III–IV who have difficulty walking. In addition, such exercise will have a positive impact on the independence of such children and help them to participate in social activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Ju Song
- Busan Brain Lesion Welfare Center, Busan, Korea
| | - Eun-Jung Lee
- Ulsan Community Rehabilitation Center, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Hae-Yeon Kwon
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Nursing and Healthcare Science, Dong-Eui University, Busan, Korea
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19
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Kretch KS, Koziol NA, Marcinowski EC, Kane AE, Inamdar K, Brown ED, Bovaird JA, Harbourne RT, Hsu L, Lobo MA, Dusing SC. Infant posture and caregiver‐provided cognitive opportunities in typically developing infants and infants with motor delay. Dev Psychobiol 2022; 64:e22233. [DOI: 10.1002/dev.22233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kari S. Kretch
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy University of Southern California Los Angeles California USA
| | - Natalie A. Koziol
- Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools University of Nebraska‐Lincoln Lincoln Nebraska USA
| | | | - Audrey E. Kane
- Department of Occupational Therapy Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond Virginia USA
| | - Ketaki Inamdar
- Department of Physical Therapy Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond Virginia USA
| | - Elena Donoso Brown
- Department of Occupational Therapy Duquesne University Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
| | - James A. Bovaird
- Department of Educational Psychology University of Nebraska‐Lincoln Lincoln Nebraska USA
| | - Regina T. Harbourne
- Department of Physical Therapy Duquesne University Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
| | - Lin‐Ya Hsu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
| | - Michele A. Lobo
- Department of Physical Therapy University of Delaware Newark Delaware USA
| | - Stacey C. Dusing
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy University of Southern California Los Angeles California USA
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