Affiliations: Department of Physiology,
Christian-Albrechts-Universität, Kiel, Germany | Neurological Rehabilitation Centre Friedehorst, Bremen, Germany
Note: [] Correspondence to: Dr. Kerstin Jöhnk, Physiologisches
Institut, Christian-Albrechts- Universität Kiel, Olshausenstrasse 40,
D-24098 Kiel, Germany; Phone.: +49-431-8803204; Fax: +49-431-8804580; E-mail:
[email protected]
Abstract: Various basic qualitative and quantitative methods for the
evaluation of sensorimotor functions after Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) are
introduced and discussed. Methodological aspects are illustrated by a single
case follow-up study of a child after severe TBI (age 11; 712;1 yrs; 6, 8
and 12 month post TBI) in comparison to an age-matched healthy control group
(N=16). The evaluation consisted of neurological investigation, Barthel-Index,
Terver Numeric Score for Functional Assessment, Rappaport Disability Rating
Scale (modified version), a coordination-test for children (KTK), a
pilot-tested Motor Function Score, quantitative evaluation of spatiotemporal
gait parameters on a walkway and on a treadmill, and the kinematic assessment
of hand motor functions. Quantitative movement analyses revealed two general
types of motor disorder: Slowing of movements and compensatory motor
strategies. Averaged z-scores showed deficits, which were pronounced in fine
motor skills (hand movements: 1.86, gait: 1.3). During follow-up, a strong
improvement rate during the first (-0.48 z-scores) and nearly no improvement
rate (-0.03 z-scores) during the second time interval was seen. Clinical scores
and developmental tests were not able to document the whole restitutional
course, whereas motor tests with special emphasis on functional aspects and the
quantitative movement assessment seemed to be suitable methods. We conclude
that a sufficient evaluation of sensorimotor functions after TBI in childhood
needs an increase in procedural uniformity on onehand and the combination of
various qualitative and quantitative methods on the other hand. To connect both
claims, further research is necessary.
Keywords: traumatic brain injury, sensorimotor functions, functional restitution, children
