Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine - Volume Pre-press, issue Pre-press

Authors: Paker, Nurdan | Yavuz Mollavelioglu, Tugce | Bugdaycı, Derya | Ones, Kadriye | Bardak, Ayse Nur | Karacan, Ilhan | Yıkıcı, Ilgın | Kesiktas, Fatma Nur

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess serum vitamin D levels and related factors in children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: One hundred and nineteen children with CP between the ages of 1 year to 10 years 9 months who were admitted to the children’s inpatient rehabilitation unit of a tertiary rehabilitation hospital between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2018, were included in this study. Demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained from the patient files. CP types and serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels were recorded. Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) was used to …assess the functional level. RESULTS: Mean age was 5.1±2.9 years. Forty-two (35.3%) were girls, 105 (88.3%) were spastic, and 14 (11.7%) were ataxic and mixed type CP. Mean GMFCS level was 4 (IQR:2). Thirty-one (26.1%) were getting extra liquid feed while the rest were eating a normal diet. Mean serum 25OHD level was 27.4±15.7 (3–79) ng/mL. Vitamin D levels were normal in 68 children (57.1%), whereas 36 (30.3%) had vitamin D insufficiency and 15 (12.6%) showed vitamin D deficiency. Those whose serum vitamin D levels were within a normal range had a median age of 3.8 (IQR:4.2) years. On the other hand, mean age was 6.4 (4.3) years for those with low vitamin D level (p  <  0.0001). Vitamin D level was 19.8 (21.4) ng/mL in those (n  = 88) who had regular diets, whereas it was 31.0 [16 ] ng/mL in those (n  = 31) who were getting extra liquid feed (p  = 0.015). There was no statistically significant correlation between vitamin D level and gender, GMFCS, CP type, season or antiepileptic drug treatment. A binary logistic regression model showed that older age and having only regular meals were significant risk factors for low vitamin D. CONCLUSION: In this study, 42.9% of the children with CP had low vitamin D. Older children with CP or those who had regular diets were higher risk groups in terms of low vitamin D. Show more

Keywords: Children, cerebral palsy, vitamin D

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-190622

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-7, 2022

Authors: Nguyen, Alan T. | Hemphill, Sydney | Donahue, Bridgette | Menendez, Maria | Rodriguez, Samuel | Caruso, Thomas J.

Article Type: Case Report

Abstract: Virtual reality (VR) technology has seen increasing use in physical rehabilitation and in the management of acute and chronic pain. Functional movement disorders (FMDs) are a source of disability with no known association to neurologic pathology, and patients are generally offered multidisciplinary treatment approaches to improve functional movement. However, patients who are not compliant with rehabilitation may have persistent FMD and long-term disability. Given VR’s use in physical rehabilitation, it may serve as a useful adjunct for the management of FMD. Utilizing an application called MovementTM to create a playlist of targeted applications for the restoration of motor function …and balance, this case study presents the application of VR as a tool to engage patients in physical therapy for the management of FMD. The VR games were selected to encourage movement while customization of levels within the games facilitated achievement of physical therapy goals. Physical rehabilitation aided by VR, when used in collaboration with a multidisciplinary care team, may be used to facilitate recovery from FMD. Show more

Keywords: Functional movement disorder, functional neurologic disorder, psychogenic movement disorder, conversion disorder, dyskinesias, virtual reality

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-210009

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-9, 2022

Authors: Analan, Pinar Doruk | Aslan, Hulya

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: PURPOSE: In children with cerebral palsy (CP), gastrocnemius muscle spasticity may lead to pes equinus posture which causes insufficient ankle joint dorsiflexion for normal gait. The aim of this study was to analyze the stiffness of gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles by shear wave elastography (SWE) in children with pes equinus deformity due to spastic CP. METHODS: 24 legs of 12 children (6 females and 6 males, mean age 45.8 months) with CP were prospectively included in the study. Tissue stiffness quantification with shear-wave velocity (SWV) was analyzed. RESULTS: The mean SWVs of the gastrocnemius and …tibialis anterior muscles were 3.91±0.26 m/s and 2.67±0.18 m/s, respectively. The stiffness of the gastrocnemius muscle was significantly higher than the stiffness of the tibialis anterior muscle (p  <  0.0001). There was no correlation between the stiffness of these muscles (r  = 0.129, p  >  0.05). CONCLUSION: Gastrocnemius muscles were stiffer than tibialis anterior muscles in patients with spastic CP. But stiffness between these muscles was not correlated with each other. Pes equinus may be related to stiff gastrocnemius in these patients. This study demonstrates the clinical potential for SWE as a non-invasive tool for analyzing calf muscle stiffness. Show more

Keywords: Spastic cerebral palsy, equinus, shear wave elastography, muscle stiffness

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-201511

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-5, 2022

Authors: Ashouri, Somayeh | Letafatkar, Amir | Thomas, Abbey C. | Yaali, Rasoul | Kalantari, Minoo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: PURPOSE: This study investigated the effects of the challenge point framework (CPF) to improve stepping reactions and enhance balance in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP). The CPF relates practice variables to the skill level of the individual and task difficulty. METHODS: Nine children with HCP (age: 7.7±2.4 years) completed six weeks (12 sessions) of a CPF intervention which consisted of progressively fewer sets and repetitions of a stepping reaction task wherein participants sought to improve both step length and reaction rate. Stepping reaction (step length and reaction rate) to a balance perturbation in the anterior, posterior, and …lateral directions and static and dynamic balance (via the Pediatric Balance Scale) were measured at baseline, a second baseline 3 weeks later, and post-intervention. Repeated measures ANOVAs determined within-group changes. Cohen’s d effect sizes were calculated. RESULTS: Participants improved balance (d  = 0.948, p  = 0.010), step length (forward d  = 0.938, p  = 0.002; backward d  = 0.839, p  = 0.001; and lateral d  = 0.876, p  = 0.002), and reaction rate (forward d  = 0.249, p  = 0.042; backward d  = 0.21, p  = 0.047; and lateral d  = 0.198, p  = 0.049). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that children with HCP may benefit from completing a CPF program with a motor learning approach. This approach of retraining stepping reactions helped to improve static and dynamic balance. The CPF may aid progression of functional task training in children with HCP aged 4–12, though more studies with a long-term follow-up analysis are needed to confirm this result. Show more

Keywords: Cerebral palsy, challenge point framework, balance

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-201522

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-12, 2022

Authors: Michielsen, Anka | van Es, Maxine | Verschuren, Olaf | van Wijk, Iris

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: PURPOSE: The primary aim was to describe sports participation of Dutch children and adolescents with lower limb deficiencies (LLD). The secondary aim was to explore perceived limitations concerning sports participation. METHODS: A total of 103 children and adolescents with LLD, aged 8–18 years (mean 11.7 years), were asked about their sports participation using a study-specific self-report questionnaire. RESULTS: Children and adolescents with LLD frequently (78%) participated in sports activities, and most of them (68%) participated in the sport of their preference. Just over half of all children (52%) perceived an inability to participate in specific sports. …Physical performance (running) and endurance were mentioned as the most limiting factors in participating in certain sports. CONCLUSION: Children and adolescents with LLD in the Netherlands participate in a variety of sports. Despite dependency on lower limb prostheses in most cases, children and adolescents with LLD have a high potentiality of participating in sports. Show more

Keywords: Sports participation, lower limb deficiency, lower limb prostheses, children and adolescents

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-210066

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-10, 2022

Authors: Juneja, Hemant | Frandsen, Christian | Nielsen, Nina Odgaard | Larsen, Kim | Praestegaard, Jeanette

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: PURPOSE: The Wii Balance Board (WBB) can be used for assessment of steady state balance (SSB), but its reliability has not been studied in children aged 6–9 years. This study aimed to determine the test-retest reliability of the WBB for measuring SSB in this population. A secondary aim was to determine the minimum detectable change (MDC) and standard error of measurement (SEM) of the WBB in children aged 6–9 years. METHODS: 52 children between 6–9 years of age participated. “One leg stand balance” was used to assess center of pressure velocity (COPV) and center of pressure area (COPA) …on three occasions by the same tester. Two tests were conducted on the same day (Day 1) and the third test was performed on another day (Day 2), with a period of 5–13 days between the two test days. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC 3,1 ), SEMs, and MDC were calculated. RESULTS: Intra-day test-retest reliability of COPA was found to be good (ICC3,1 =0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.75, 0.92) and that of COPV was also found to be good (ICC3,1 =0.87; 95% CI: 0.77, 0.92). Inter-day test-retest reliability was found to be good for COPA (ICC3,1 = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.75, 0.93) and COPV (ICC3,1 = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.81, 0.94). SEM for COPA in intra-day testing was 18.90 mm2 (15.78%), and in inter-day testing it was 16.44 mm2 (13.61%). SEM for COPV in intra-day testing was 1.12 mm/s (7.6%), and in inter-day testing it was 1.01 mm/s (6.9%). MDC for COPA in intra-day testing was 52.41mm2 (42.75%), and in inter-day testing was 45.58 mm2 (35.75%). MDC for COPV in intra-day testing was 3.11 mm/s (21.2%), and in inter-day testing it was 2.80 mm/s (18.9%). CONCLUSION: The WBB has good test-retest reliability for assessing SSB of children between 6-9 years. COPA measurements appear to be less sensitive to clinical changes in SSB when compared to COPV. Assessment of validity of the WBB in this age group is recommended before it can be considered as a potential balance assessment tool in children. Show more

Keywords: Wii Balance Board, center of pressure, reliability, steady state balance

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-210106

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-12, 2022

Authors: Daunter, Alecia K. | Pruente, Jessica | Bowman, Angeline | Whitney, Daniel G.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: PURPOSE: Existing evidence identifies racial and ethnic disparities impacting the prevalence and severity of cerebral palsy (CP). There is a paucity of literature examining the impact on associated treatment. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, an institutional database search identified outpatient encounters for pediatric patients with spastic CP. Additional filters were used to determine treatments received. For each treatment, the proportion of African American (AA) patients receiving treatment was compared to the proportion of Caucasian (C) patients receiving the same treatment. RESULTS: 3,686 children with spastic CP were seen in outpatient clinics associated with an academic …tertiary hospital over a 21-year period. There was no significant difference between the proportion of any treatment compared to the entire sample for AA or C patients. CONCLUSION: In this sample, there was no significant evidence of a racial disparity for AA patients receiving treatments for spasticity. This data is limited by several factors. Further research is needed to determine whether pediatric patients with disabilities are receiving equitable care. Clinicians should consider systematically monitoring their practices to identify areas of bias or inequity in accessing care. Show more

Keywords: Race, spasticity, cerebral palsy, treatment

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-210094

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-4, 2022

Authors: Kolit, Zeynep | Ekici, Gamze

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: PURPOSE: The study aimed to examine the effects of “Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance” (CO-OP) approach in terms of performance and satisfaction as well as functional status in children with cerebral palsy (CP) receiving neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) and determine the parents’ satisfaction level. METHODS: Thirty-two children with CP were randomized to experimental (n  = 16) or control (n  = 16) groups, with n  = 2 dropouts. Therapy was applied twice a week for five weeks. The experimental group received a CO-OP plus NDT, while the control group received only NDT. RESULTS: No baseline differences existed, except for years …of schooling, which was higher in the experimental group. After treatment, there were statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in occupational performance and function, favouring children who received 5-weeks of CO-OP plus NDT over NDT alone (p  <  0.05). CONCLUSION: CO-OP is expected to be beneficial if incorporated into CP rehabilitation. Show more

Keywords: Cerebral palsy, occupations, cognitive orientation, functional status

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-210085

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-12, 2022

Authors: Bonarrigo, Kelly | McGuire, Michelle | Dorich, Jenny M. | Bolger, Ashlee | Lambert, Joshua | Horn, Paul S. | Tian, Cuixia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore stander use in individuals with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). METHODS: This mixed method research study employed a survey with categorical and open-ended questions related to stander use. Categorical responses were analyzed quantitatively. Qualitative analysis of open-ended responses was linked to the International Classification of Function. Qualitative and quantitative results were merged to derive meta-inferences. RESULTS: Of 147 respondents, 28.6% (n  = 42) reported stander use. Equipment used included sit-to-stand stander (n  = 27), power standing feature in a wheelchair (n  = 13), and unspecified equipment (n  = 2). Economic services were the most common …barrier to stander obtainment. Age of loss of ambulation (LOA) and age of start of stander use were positively correlated (r  = 0.61, p  <  0.0001, n  = 36), with 59.5% initiating stander use after LOA. Twenty-nine respondents reported standing less than the recommended dose of 60–90 minutes at least five days a week, with frequency directionally less than five days per week (p  = 0.06) and time significantly less than 60–90 minutes (p  = 0.002). Respondents’ total dose was significantly lower than the recommended 300 minutes (p  = 0.02). Lack of time and presence of contractures contributed to decreased duration of use. CONCLUSION: This study provides a greater understanding of stander use among individuals with DMD and can assist with decision making about stander use prior to complications of disease progression to promote optimal health despite reported barriers. Show more

Keywords: Duchenne muscular dystrophy, stander, standing, dosing

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-220026

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-17, 2022

Authors: Inal, Busra | Ozengin, Nuriye | Bakar, Yesim | Ankaralı, Handan | Ozturk, Yusuf

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine symptom severity, posture, and balance of children with primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE) and compare to a healthy control group. METHODS: Thirty-five children with PMNE and 34 healthy children were included in this study. Physical and sociodemographic characteristics of the children were recorded. Symptom severity was assessed with a Vancouver Non-Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction/Dysfunctional Elimination Syndrome Questionnaire (NLUTD/DES), a four-day bladder diary and a seven-day bowel diary. Standing postural alignment was assessed with the Spinal Mouse device, and the sensory integration of static balance and dynamic standing balance was assessed with …the Biodex Balance System SD. RESULTS: Compared to healthy controls, children with PMNE demonstrated increased symptom severity (p  = 0.001), increased upright lumbar lordosis (p  = 0.018) and sacral-hip angles (p  = 0.029), decreased static balance in the sensory condition of unstable surface with eyes closed (p  = 0.001), and decreased mediolateral dynamic balance (p  = 0.049). CONCLUSION: Children with PMNE demonstrate altered postural alignment, static and dynamic postural instability, and greater symptom severity on the Vancouver NLUTD/DES than age-matched controls. Show more

Keywords: Nocturnal enuresis, posture, postural balance, quality of life

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-210105

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-9, 2022

Authors: Mortazavi, Mo | Lucini, Francesca Arese | Joffe, David | Oakley, David S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: PURPOSE: Numerous studies have reported electrophysiological differences between concussed and non-concussed groups, but few studies have systematically explored recovery trajectories from acute concussion to symptom recovery and the transition from acute concussion to prolonged phases. Questions remain about recovery prognosis and the extent to which symptom resolution coincides with injury resolution. This study therefore investigated the electrophysiological differences in recoveries between simple and complex concussion. METHODS: Student athletes with acute concussion from a previous study (19(2) years old) were tracked from pre-injury baseline, 24–48 hours after concussion, and through in-season recovery. The electroencephalography (EEG) with P300 evoked response …trajectories from this acute study were compared to an age-matched population of 71 patients (18(2) years old) with prolonged post-concussive symptoms (PPCS), 61 (SD 31) days after concussion. RESULTS: Acute, return-to-play, and PPCS groups all experienced a significant deficit in P300 amplitude compared to the pre-injury baseline group. The PPCS group, however, had significantly different EEG spectral and coherence patterns from every other group. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that while the evoked response potentials deficits of simple concussion may persist in more prolonged stages, there are certain EEG measures unique to PPCS. These metrics are readily accessible to clinicians and may provide useful parameters to help predict trajectories, characterize injury (phenotype), and track the course of injury. Show more

Keywords: Acute concussion, prolonged post-concussion syndrome, return to play, electroencephalogram, event related potentials

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-210114

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-13, 2023

Authors: Szewczyk, Anna K. | Mitosek-Szewczyk, Krystyna | Dworzańska, Ewa

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: Music is an art form that strongly affects people and can elicit many different emotions at the same time, including happiness, anxiety, sadness, and even ecstasy. What is it about music that causes such a strong reaction from each of us? Music engages many senses, which in turn can produce a multiplicity of responses and help create more extensive neuronal connections, as well as influence behaviour through structural and functional changes in the brain. Music-based interventions as a therapeutic tool in rehabilitation are becoming more common. It is said that the impact of music on the human body is positive. …However, what impact does music have on the young nervous system, especially the affected one? This review presents the advantages and disadvantages of the use of music in paediatric neurology to treat dyslexia, cerebral palsy, and stroke, among others. Potential negative impacts such as musicogenic epilepsy and hallucinations will be discussed. Show more

Keywords: Music, music therapy, brain, neuroplasticity, children and adolescents, neurological disorders

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-200802

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-16, 2022