scholarly journals Effects of Dynamic Elastomeric Fabric Orthoses on Children with Cerebral Palsy

2009 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 339-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin John Matthews ◽  
Martin Watson ◽  
Barbara Richardson

This phase 1 exploratory study aimed to establish proof of concept of the effects of dynamic elastomeric fabric orthoses (DEFOs) on the gait of children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Replicated single case experiments employing an ABA methodology were carried out on eight subjects (median age 5.5 years, range 3–13 years; 4 girls/boys) utilizing quantitative/qualitative data collection. Outcome measures were: Ten metre walking test (10MWT); physiological cost index (PCI); visual analogue scale (VAS) scoring of perceived gait changes; functional mobility changes using Patient Specific Functional Scale (PSFS); subject/carer perceptions recorded in daily diaries. Results identified following analysis of quantitative data indicated a treatment effect from the orthoses which could be corroborated by participant subjective impressions and comments. Statistically significant ( p < 0.05) intervention-related improvements in gait velocity and gait consistency were identified respectively in 5/8 and 4/8 subjects. Power calculations support the feasibility of a larger controlled study to further investigate this orthotic intervention. This study indicates that DEFO leggings can confer beneficial effects on the gait of some children with spastic diplegia resulting from CP. These findings have implications for orthotic intervention with this subject group.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
IlHyun Son ◽  
GyuChang Lee

Abstract Background: It has been reported the effects of a hinged ankle-foot orthosis on the gait ability of children with cerebral palsy. However, no studies investigated the effects of the dorsiflexion angle of the hinged ankle-foot orthosis on the spatiotemporal gait parameters of children with cerebral palsy. This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of a 10° dorsiflexion inducing ankle-foot orthosis the spatiotemporal gait parameters of children with spastic diplegia compared to barefoot and a hinged ankle-foot orthosis.Methods: This study was cross-over design. 10 children with spastic diplegia were walked with barefoot, a hinged ankle-foot orthosis, and a 10° dorsiflexion inducing ankle-foot orthosis. GAITRite was used to collect the spatiotemporal gait parameters including gait velocity, cadence, step length, stride length, single leg support, and double leg support. Results: It showed that a 10° dorsiflexion inducing ankle-foot orthosis significantly improved the gait velocity, cadence, step length, stride length, single leg support, and double leg support than barefoot and a hinged ankle-foot orthosis (p<.05). Conclusion: The results of this study implied that a 10° dorsiflexion inducing ankle-foot orthosis could improve the gait ability of children with spastic diplegia more than barefoot or a hinged ankle-foot orthosis. High quality future studies will need to examine the effects of hinged ankle-foot orthosis on gait ability according to dorsiflexion angles.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Dana L. Wild ◽  
Caroline W. Stegink-Jansen ◽  
Christine P. Baker ◽  
Kelly D. Carmichael ◽  
David A. Yngve

Improvements in surgical and rehabilitation care are critical to lessen the burden of cerebral palsy (CP), the most common cause of severe physical disability in childhood. The selective percutaneous myofascial lengthening (SPML) surgical procedure is a minimally invasive method designed to improve ambulation by lengthening contracted musculoskeletal tissues. Information on surgical procedures, efficacy, and safety of SPML for children with CP is lacking. Phase 1 of our research is a “proof-of-principle” study for multisite SPML to improve functional mobility of children with CP, and Phase 2 assesses safety, reoperation rates, and efficacy over time in subsequent patient series. Phase 1 was a repeated measurement case series study of 17 children (mean age 7.6 years). One physical therapist, blinded to the surgeon’s measurements, measured bilateral knee and ankle motion before and after SPML procedures, using video recordings of a standardized gait path. Functional Mobility Scale (FMS) 5, 50, and 500 outcomes were taken pre- and postoperatively and via telephone follow-up. In Phase 2, multisite SPLM surgeries were implemented in larger successive cohorts from 2006 to 2017. Complications, reoperation rates, and efficacy were retrospectively analyzed. Phase 1 results showed improvement in the children’s knee and ankle motion while ambulating and improved FMS 5, 50, and 500 outcomes postoperatively (mean, 6.3 months). At second follow-up (mean 33.3 months), FMS 500 scores continued improvement, while FMS 5 and FMS 50 scores maintained. During Phase 2, the complication rate was 2.4%, and reoperation rates (including reoperations due to maturation) were between 8% and 13%. Improvements to correct ankle equinus were recorded in 498 cases. In conclusion, in a specialized center, single-event, multilevel SPML surgeries of children with CP safely improved ambulatory knee and ankle angle motion and daily mobility outcomes. Future educational studies of training needs for surgeons new to the approach are needed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-234
Author(s):  
I. M. Dutia ◽  
M. J. Connick ◽  
E. M. Beckman ◽  
L. M. Johnston ◽  
P. J. Wilson ◽  
...  

AbstractBackground:People with cerebral palsy (CP) are less physically active than the general population and, consequently, are at increased risk of preventable disease. Evidence indicates that low-moderate doses of physical activity can reduce disease risk and improve fitness and function in people with CP. Para athletes with CP typically engage in ‘performance-focused’ sports training, which is undertaken for the sole purpose of enhancing sports performance. Anecdotally, many Para athletes report that participation in performance-focused sports training confers meaningful clinical benefits which exceed those reported in the literature; however, supporting scientific evidence is lacking. The aim of this paper is to describe the protocol for an 18-month study evaluating the clinical effects of a performance-focused swimming training programme for people with CP who have high support needs.Methods:This study will use a concurrent multiple-baseline, single-case experimental design across three participants with CP who have high support needs. Each participant will complete a five-phase trial comprising: baseline (A1); training phase 1 (B1); maintenance phase 1 (A2); training phase 2 (B2); and maintenance phase 2 (A3). For each participant, measurement of swim velocity, health-related quality of life and gross motor functioning will be carried out a minimum of five times in each of the five phases.Discussion:The study described will produce Level II evidence regarding the effects of performance-focused swimming training on clinical outcomes in people with CP who have high support needs. Findings are expected to provide an indication of the potential for sport to augment outcomes in neurological rehabilitation.


2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 2501-2501 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. W. Kantoff ◽  
L. M. Glode ◽  
S. I. Tannenbaum ◽  
D. L. Bilhartz ◽  
W. G. Pittman ◽  
...  

2501 Background: Therapeutic vaccines for prostate cancer have yielded encouraging data in uncontrolled Phase 1 and 2 studies. PROSTVAC-VF comprises 2 recombinant viral vectors each containing genes encoding the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) gene modified to optimize antigen presentation in HLA-A2+ pts and 3 T-cell costimulatory molecules (B7.1, LFA3, and ICAM-1 [TRICOM]). These vectors are administered in a heterologous prime-boost regimen with concurrent low-dose GM-CSF to enhance recruitment of antigen-presenting cells to the immunization site. Here we report results of a Phase 2 study in pts with metastatic HRPC. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, controlled study, pts were randomized 2:1 to receive either PROSTVAC-VF plus GM-CSF or Control (empty vectors plus GM-CSF placebo) for 24 weeks. Eligible pts had rising PSA despite castrate testosterone levels and measurable, asymptomatic or non-narcotic-dependent metastases (positive bone scan or lymph node metastases on abdominal-pelvic CT scan). The primary endpoint is progression-free survival (PFS), with progression defined as appearance of new lesions on bone scan or RECIST-defined progression of nodal metastases. The planned sample size was 120 pts. The study was designed to detect a difference of 38% vs 12% PFS at Week 24 with a 2-sided α of 0.05 and 80% power. An independent Data Monitoring Committee evaluated safety data quarterly. Results: 125 pts were enrolled. Demographics are available for 122 pts (mean age, 73.3 years [range, 52–94]; ∼11% African American). Common adverse events (AEs) in 106 evaluable pts (blinded as of Jan 2006) included immunization site reactions (73%), fatigue (26%), fever (14%), and nausea (13%). The majority were of Grade 1/2 severity. Serious AEs attributed to immunization included 1 thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) event. Conclusions: A large, randomized, controlled study of therapeutic immunization with PROSTVAC-VF in 125 pts with metastatic HRPC has been completed. The therapy is well tolerated and findings are consistent with Phase 1 results, but also included a single case of TTP. Full efficacy data collection is ongoing. [Table: see text]


2021 ◽  
pp. 088307382199361
Author(s):  
Jayanti Prabha ◽  
Areesha Alam ◽  
Chandrakanta Kumar ◽  
Rashmi Kumar ◽  
Neera Kohli

Background: Few studies have focused on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain findings associated with functional mobility in cerebral palsy. Objective: To determine association between MRI findings and Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) levels in cerebral palsy. Methods: Prospective-observational study conducted in Pediatric Neurology Clinic at a public teaching hospital, Northern India. First 3 new cases of cerebral palsy were enrolled on particular neuro-clinic day per week for 1 year. Functional mobility was classified according to GMFCS. Association between MRI findings, cerebral palsy type, and GMFCS levels were evaluated using χ2 test. Results: A total of 138 cases (mean age 2.71 [SD = 1.91] years; male [64.5%]) were enrolled. Reported types of cerebral palsy were as follows: spastic quadriplegia (47.8%), spastic diplegia (28.35%), spastic hemiplegia (11.6%), extrapyramidal (6.5%), and ataxic/hypotonic (5.8%). GMFCS were classified into level 1 (13%), level 2 (7.2%), level 3 (4.3%), level 4 (10.9%), and level 5 (64.5%). Spastic quadriplegia and extrapyramidal cerebral palsy were significantly associated with higher (severe) levels (IV and V), whereas spastic diplegia and hemiplegia were significantly associated with lower (mild) levels (I-III) of GMFCS. MRI features of periventricular white matter injury, deep gray matter injury, basal ganglia and thalamic changes, and superficial gray matter injury were significantly associated with severe levels of GMFCS (V and IV). MRI was normal in 8 children (5 = mild category, 3 = severe category). Conclusion: Severe cerebral palsy is most often associated with spastic quadriplegia, extrapyramidal cerebral palsy, superficial gray matter lesions, deep gray matter lesions, and periventricular white matter injury. This information is useful for anticipating and addressing the needs of children with cerebral palsy and for prognostication.


2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. E103-E104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob Archer ◽  
Alan P Yaacoub ◽  
Francisco Angulo-Parker ◽  
Gloria Fritsch ◽  
Shana Riner ◽  
...  

Abstract Severe lower limb spasticity can hinder motor tasks and negatively impacts the quality of life in patients with cerebral palsy. Selective dorsal rhizotomy is a well-established neurosurgical intervention aimed at reducing muscle spasticity in patients with such neuromuscular conditions. Long-term outcomes of selective dorsal rhizotomy have been promising among the authors’ institutional series of patients. In this case, we demonstrate the use of L1-S1 osteoplastic laminoplasty and L1-S1 selective dorsal rhizotomy in a 5-year-old male patient with cerebral palsy and spastic lower extremity diplegia. Favorable selection criteria for this case included disabling lower extremity diplegia, young age, good core strength, no cognitive delay, and strong rehabilitation potential. The patient's preoperative functional status was noncommunity ambulator (Gross Motor Function Classification System Level III) with walker use and good dynamic balance. Prior to the procedure, he demonstrated an overall decreased muscle strength in bilateral lower extremities with bilateral hamstring spasticity (Ashworth 3) and bilateral heel cord spasticity (Ashworth 4). Rhizotomy was performed with identification and selective sectioning of dorsal nerve roots with abnormal stimulation patterns. Fibers with unsustained discharge of appropriate muscles were identified and spared. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were encountered. The patient had minimal back pain and surgical morbidity postoperatively. Following the procedure and highly structured inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation therapies, the patient exhibited significant improvement in gait velocity (84%) and gait cadence (66%) at 5 months. Additionally, the patient demonstrated greater independence of activities of daily living and improvements in mobility by Pediatric Evaluation Disability Index. Patient consent was obtained from the parent.


2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret E. O???Neil ◽  
Maria A. Fragala-Pinkham ◽  
Sarah L. Westcott ◽  
Karen Martin ◽  
Lisa A. Chiarello ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shamekh Mohamed El-Shamy ◽  
Ehab Mohamed Abd El Kafy

Abstract Background TheraTogs promotes proprioceptive sense of a child with cerebral palsy and improves abnormal muscle tone, posture alignment, balance, and gait. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of TheraTogs orthotic undergarment on gait pattern in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy. Thirty children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy were selected for this randomized controlled study. They were randomly assigned to (1) an experimental group that received TheraTogs orthotic undergarment (12 h/day, 3 days/week) plus traditional physical therapy for 3 successive months and (2) a control group that received only traditional physical therapy program for the same time period. Gait parameters were measured at baseline and after 3 months of intervention using Pro-Reflex motion analysis. Results Children in both groups showed significant improvements in the gait parameters (P < 0.05), with significantly greater improvements in the experimental group than in the control group. Conclusions The use of TheraTogs may have a positive effect to improve gait pattern in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy. Trial registration This trial was registered in the ClinicalTrial.gov PRS (NCT03037697).


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