Gross Motor Function In Children Research Articles

Relationship Between Gross Motor Function and Nutritional Status of Children with Cerebral Palsy-A cross-sectional study in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh

Background: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is one of the most common causes of chronic disability in children. Childhood malnutrition is a major public health issue in low- and middle-income countries. The gross motor function of children with CP can easily be assessed by the tool Gross Motor Function Classification System- Expanded &Revised (GMFCS-E&R). This study aimed to determine the relationship between GMFCS and nutritional status in children with cerebral palsy. Method: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Pediatric Neurology, IPNA, BSMMU from October 2019 to August 2020. All the patients aged 2-12 years were diagnosed as CP by clinical criteria and classified by GMFCS. Nutritional status (weight for age, height for age, weight for height, BMI) is assessed and classified according to the World Health Organization growth charts. Then linear and multinomial logistic regression methods to determine the associations between GMFCS and nutritional status. The correlation between motor function and nutritional status was assessed. Results: Among the 50 children 68% were male and 32% were female. The mean age of the CP children was 4.90±3.05 years. Most patients (66.0%) came from poor families followed by 24% from the middle class. Functionally majority of patients were in GMFCS level IV (28.0% ) and level V (20.0%). Maximum patients in spastic quadriplegia 42%, spastic hemiplegia 16%. The level of GMFCS was associated with nutritional status, as determined by anthropometry. Moderate and severe underweight significantly related with GMFC level IV and V. Moderate and severe stunted was significantly related with IV and V GMFC level. Moderate wasted was significantly related to GMFC levels III and IV. Mild malnutrition was significantly with GMFC level II and III. Severe malnutrition is significantly related to GMFC level IV and V. Conclusion: This study showed majority of cerebral palsy cases had severe functional gross motor disability and also severe grade of malnutrition. A significant association between severe grade of malnutrition and severe grade of motor disability was found. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2024; 42: 342-349

Effect of sling exercise training on motor function in children with cerebral palsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To systematically evaluate the efficacy of sling exercise training on balance and gross motor movement in children with cerebral palsy, and to investigate the effects of different intervention times and ages on treatment outcomes. Randomized controlled trials on sling exercise training for children with cerebral palsy published in full text from CNKI, Wanfang datebase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from the time of build to November 2023. Literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed independently by 2 researchers, and Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan5.4 and Stata17.0 software. A total of 12 studies with 725 patients were included sling exercise training significantly improved balance (I2 = 0%, mean difference [MD] = 3.42, 95% CI: 2.93-3.92, P < .00001), gross motor function (I2 = 0%, MD = 5.90, 95% CI: 1.50-10.29, P < .00001), standing function (I2 = 14%, MD = 2.73, 95% CI: 2.17-3.29, P < .00001) walking and running and jumping function(I2 = 79%, MD = 5.93, 95% CI: 3.82-8.04, P < .00001) and 10-meter maximum walking speed(I2 = 58%, MD = 1.47, 95% CI: 0.52-2.42, P = .003) in children with cerebral palsy. Subgroup analyses of balance showed that children in the 5 + age group (I2 = 0%, MD = 3.73, 95% CI: 2.55-4.91, P < .00001) had better outcomes relative to the 4-5 year old group (I2 = 23%, MD = 3.49, 95% CI: 2.88-4.09, P<0.00001) and the under 4 year old group (I2 = 0%, MD = 282.73, 95% CI: 1.57-4.06, P < .00001). Subgroup analyses of walking and running and jumping function showed that a 6-month treatment course(I2 = 0%, MD = 5.93, 95% CI: 3.82-8.04, P < .00001) had better efficacy relative to a 3-month treatment course(I2 = 0%, MD = 4.11, 95% CI: 2.84-5.39, P < .00001). Sling exercise training significantly improves balance and gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy, and The average age of 5+ years is a critical period for the development of balance in children with cerebral palsy, and the treatment course is an important factor affecting walking and running and jumping function.

Effects of Treadmill Walking and Overground Walking in Young Children With Non-progressive Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

Introduction Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are responsible for childhood brain dysfunction and developmental disability. Physical therapists are important team members in providing a beneficial impact on the gross motor function of children with NDDs. Early intervention provides a beneficial effect on the improvement of gross motor function; however, most of the studies on treadmill training were in late age and the effect of early treadmill walking along with conventional physiotherapy was not studied. Hence, the objective of the present study was to compare the effect of overground walking with treadmill walking in young children aged 12-36 months with non-progressive NDDs. Methodology An experimental study was performed for one year on diagnosed cases of non-progressive NDD. A total of 36 children with non-progressive NDD were recruited for the study between the ages of 12 and 36 months of either gender and were allocated into treadmill walking and overground walking groups. The intervention was given for eight consecutive weeks, four days per week, and for 20-25 minutes per day. The children were assessed using Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM-66) and Peabody Developmental Motor Scale-2 (PDMS-2) for both stationary and locomotion components. Results The comparison of both the groups with PDMS-2 (stationary) at baseline, follow-up, and post intervention reported mean values of 25.56 ± 12.16, 27.22 ± 11.74, and 28.44 ± 11.72, respectively, in the overground walking group and 28.72 ± 8.96, 29.72 ± 9.46, and 31.33 ± 8.85 in the treadmill walking group, respectively, with statistically significant results (p = 0.0022). Additionally, the comparison of both the groups with PDMS-2 (locomotion) reported mean values of 35.78 ± 24.02, 39.11 ± 23.21, and 43.00 ± 23.58, respectively, in the overground walking group and 39.67 ± 22.28, 43.17 ± 22.94, and 46.61 ± 24.16 in the treadmill walking group, respectively, with statistically significant results (p = 0.020). Moreover, the comparison of both the groups with total GMFM-66 reported mean values of 16.97 ± 14.52, 18.35 ± 14.88, and 20.49 ± 16.86, respectively, in the overground walking group and 18.52 ± 14.28, 21.66 ± 15.76, and 25.92 ± 16.95 in the treadmill walking group with statistically significant results (p = 0.0118). Conclusion The present study concluded that between both the groups, a statistically significant difference was observed for PDMS-2 (stationary and locomotion)and GMFM-66 after a scheduled intervention of eight weeks. Hence, walking should be carried out as a part of therapy in early intervention and further studies can be performed to determine the long-term effect of these interventions and their role in the prevention of secondary complications.

The quality of life of primary caretakers of children with cerebral palsy

ABSTRACT Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a heterogeneous group of disorder affecting the development of movement and posture, which is permanent nonprogressive. Previous studies in different regions have shown links between caregivers’ mental health and children’s well-being. However, the lack of such detailed research for the caretakers of children with CP and correlation of quality of life affected the type and severity of the condition; this necessitates the development of a new study to assess caregivers’ quality of life. Aim: Quality of life among caregivers of disabled children is an important concern in healthcare. We aim to evaluate the quality of life among caregivers of children with CP and to assess the factors affecting the caregivers’ quality of life, namely, age, gender, type, and gross motor function in children with CP. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional observational study, conducted over a period of 6 months. It included the caregivers of children with CP at a tertiary care hospital of Mumbai. Data were collected using the WHO BREF questionnaire. The children were divided into two groups (2 to 7 years and 7 to 12 years). The qualities of life of the caretakers of these two groups were compared in four domains, namely, physical, psychological, social, and environmental. Results: The study included 50 participants. Mothers (80%) and fathers (10%) were the primary caregivers. Caretakers of the children with cerebral palsy showed significant affected quality of life as calculated from WHO QOL BREF score in both age groups (2–7 and 7–12 years) and in all domains. Overall, the most affected domain in our study was of psychological health and the least affected domain was of the environmental domain. Conclusion: This study provides a snapshot of the impact of having a child with cerebral palsy on the lives of the caregivers Most of the caregivers in the study were mothers, and quality of life was affected in all domains mainly in psychological and physical domains. The study showed that there is a need for interventions in caregivers which can have an indirect impact on the children with CP.

Effect of Action Observation Training on Gross Motor Functions in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Effect of Action Observation Training on Gross Motor Functions in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Internal Consistency and Floor/Ceiling Effects of the Gross Motor Function Measure for Use with Children Affected by Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Children/adolescents with cancer can develop adverse effects impacting gross motor function. There is a lack of gross motor function assessment tools that have been validated for this population. The aim of this multicenter cross-sectional study was to preliminary validate the 88-item Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) for use in children/adolescents with cancer, exploring internal consistency and floor/ceiling effect. Inclusion criteria regarded children/adolescents diagnosed with cancer on treatment or <1 year off therapy. The internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's α, and the floor-ceiling effects were calculated through percentage. This study involved 217 participants with heterogeneous neoplasm conditions. Internal consistency was good, with a Cronbach's α of 0.989. Floor-ceiling effect analysis reveals that several items obtained a dichotomous scoring distribution in each of the five sub-scales of the GMFM-88. This can be explained by the heterogeneous clinical characteristics of the target population. The preliminary validation of GMFM-88 in a group of children/adolescents affected by cancer suggests that some items are not able to discriminate between different gross motor function levels, and therefore it does not represent an informative tool to measure gross motor function in children with cancer. Future research is needed to define which ones could be more useful for clinical practice.

Effectiveness of virtual reality training compared to balance-specific training and conventional training on balance and gross motor functions of children with cerebral palsy: A double blinded randomized controlled trial.

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of a virtual reality rehabilitation-based training (VRT) with balance-specific training (BST) and conventional training (CT) on the balance and gross motor functions (GMF) of children with cerebral palsy (CwCP). This study was a double blinded, randomized controlled trial. Participants were recruited from different CP rehabilitation centers and clinics and were then randomly allocated using the block randomization method into three groups: (1) group 1 (VRT using a set of Xbox 360 games that triggered balance), (2) group 2 (BST applying a protocol of 13 exercises to enhance balance in different conditions), and (3) control group 3 (CT using traditional physiotherapy techniques). All groups received 18 sessions over six weeks, three sessions per week, each lasting 60 minutes. Participants were assessed at three timepoints (baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up) using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM D & E), the Five Times Sit-To-Stand Test, and upper and lower segments' center of mass (COM) displacement (UCOM and LCOM). A total of 46 CwCP participated in this study. The repeated measures ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference between groups in the dependent variables, except for the GMFM (D & E) and the PBS (p < 0.05 and partial η2 = 0.473). The post-hoc test showed a statistically significant difference in favor of the VRT group compared to other groups in terms of right UCOM (p < 0.05) with a large effect size of the time*group interaction (partial η2 = 0.87). Moreover, there was a statistically significant effect of time (i.e., baseline to post-treatment and baseline to follow-up) with F (18, 23) = 59.954, p < 0.05, Wilks' lambda = 0.021, partial η2 = 0.979. The findings revealed that VRT was not superior to BST in the rehabilitation of balance and GMF in CwCP aged four to 12 years. However, when compared to CT, better results were reported. Furthermore, it appears that customized programs lead to greater improvements in balance than commercial programs. Future studies are needed to assess the physiological effects of the three types of rehabilitation interventions using more advanced measurement tools, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging, following VRT protocols.

An Examination of the Effectiveness of Ballet on Gross Motor Function in Children with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities

The purpose of this study was to examine how ballet could be used as a form of therapy to improve gross motor function in children with intellectual developmental disabilities (IDDs). Fourteen participants (ages 4-12, 10 males, 4 females) who were enrolled in Monday and Friday camp days at ABC Educational Services, Inc. Stimulation School Summer Camp were included in the study. Participants completed the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, 2nd Edition (BOT-2) during the first week of the intervention. For the following six weeks, participants engaged in thirty-minute ballet classes twice a week. During week eight of the intervention participants completed the BOT-2 test a second time. The results indicated that children with a suspected IDD did not consistently score below average on the BOT-2. Additionally, statistically significant correlations between ballet instruction and gross motor proficiency were not found. Further studies should be done to continue to examine the relationship between ballet and gross motor function.

A Cross-Sectional Study Examining the Relationship Between Malnutrition and Gross Motor Function in Cerebral Palsy.

Introduction Cerebral palsy (CP) characterizes a range of permanent, nonprogressive symptoms of postural and motor dysfunction caused by an insult to the developing central nervous system in a fetus or an infant. CP manifests early in life, often within the first two to three years of age. CP is associated with poor growth, that is the deviation from the normal growth parameters. The prevalence of CP ranges from 2.0 to 3.5 per 1000 live births in high-income countries which is comparable to the estimates from low-income countries. Antenatal and perinatal insults are among the most commonly reported causes of CP; however, a large number of cases do not have an identifiable etiology of CP. The current study aims to examine the relationship between malnutrition and gross motor function in children with CP. Materials and Methods This study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Nehru Hospital, Baba Raghav Das (BRD) Medical College, Gorakhpur (UP) over a period of one year (August 2020 to July 2021) after obtaining ethical clearance from the College Research Council. Children of age 1-15 years with CPattending the pediatric outpatient and inpatient departmentswere enrolled as the study participants after obtaining informed consent from a legal guardian. Assessment of motor function was done using the gross motor function classification system (GMFCS). Associations of malnutrition across levels of gross motor function were tested using Chi-square or Fisher's exact test whichever was applicable. Statistical significance was set at p< 0.05 as significant. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21 (Released 2012; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Result We analyzed 110 children with a diagnosis of CP (median age 6.5 years, interquartile range (IQR) 4.4-9.0 years). The majority (65/110; 59%) of the patients were male, and 68 (61.8%) delivered at term gestation. The most common presenting symptom among children with CP was seizures (79/110; 72.3%), the second most common being delayed milestones among 73 (66.8%), followed by difficulty in breathing among 63 (57.5%). The association between the anthropometric index of participants and GMFCS was found to be highly significant. Conclusion Most CP patients were facing gross motor disturbances. Spastic type of CP was most frequent, and more than half of the patients experienced feeding difficulty. A statistically significant association was found between gross motor functioning and the prevalence of malnutrition and stunting.

Limited associations between passive range of motion and gross motor function in ambulant/semi-ambulant children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: A cross-sectional study

Background and aimCerebral palsy (CP) is the most common childhood motor disability, and the Cerebral Palsy Follow-Up Program (CPUP) in Nordic countries uses a traffic light system for passive range of motion (ROM) assessment to aid interpretation and guide decisions regarding interventions. However, the arbitrary chosen ROM threshold values and their potential clinical impact are uncertain. We investigated whether lower extremity ROM values were positively associated with gross motor function and whether gross motor function scores differ between the CPUP ROM thresholds. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional analysis of CPUP data for 841 ambulatory children and adolescents with CP, at a mean (SD) age of 9 (3). Regression analyses were employed to explore the relationship between gross motor capacity and performance (using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66) and the Functional Mobility Scale (FMS) 5/50/500 m, respectively) and lower extremity ROM, measured with a goniometer. ROM was assessed both as continuous and categorical variables. ResultsWe found that two out of ten continuous ROM measures were positively associated with gross motor function. Limited differences in gross motor function between the ROM thresholds were seen for seven out of ten ROM measures. The CPUP traffic light thresholds primarily differentiated gross motor function between the red and green categories, predominantly for the subgroup of participants with bilateral spastic CP. ConclusionLimited associations between passive ROM and gross motor function in children and adolescents with CP were observed, indicating that there is more to consider than ROM when identifying whether interventions are needed.

Correlation between clinical measurement scales on gross motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy

BackgroundChildren with cerebral palsy (CP) may have different gross motor impairments which in sequence affecting their life occupations. The purpose of the study is to investigate the correlation between Gross Motor Function Measurement-66 (GMFM-66), the test of Bruininks-Oseretsky Motor Proficiency (BOTMP), and the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale–Second Edition (PDMS-2) in young children with CP.MethodsA correlational study was applied on 50 children aged from 4 to 6 years (30 girls, 20 boys) with spastic CP.ResultsThe Pearson correlation coefficient between the GMFM scale and PDMS-2 motor quotients, and its subscales (stationary, locomotion, and object control) and also between GMFM and BOTMP gross motor quotients and its subscales (strength, agility, and body coordination) were statistically significant. Spearman’s coefficients between the grade of the Gross Motor Classification System (GMFCS) and the PDMS-2 Gross Motor Composite, BOTS-2, and its subscale results were also statistically significant.ConclusionThe three measurement scales, GMFM- 66, BOTS-2, and PDMS-2, are significantly related. Therefore, GMFCS is useful in predicting movement performance in children with CP and correlated with predictive guidance in treatment development.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06124352.

Impact of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies on Gross Motor Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Prospective Case Series

Impact of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies on Gross Motor Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Prospective Case Series

Multiple Equine Therapies for the Treatment of Gross Motor Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the impact of three equine therapy approaches on gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy. Methods The studies were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and the Cochrane Library, in accordance with the style commonly found in scientific journal publications:(1) peer-reviewed articles written in English; (2) experimental or quasi-experimental; (3) three Equine Therapy Interventions as experiment’s independent variable; (4) children with cerebral palsy; and (5) measurement of outcomes related to Gross Motor Function. Results The study examined 596 patients with cerebral palsy, whose average age was 8.03 years. The three types of horse therapy interventions had a significant impact on gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy (SMD = 0.19, 95% CI 0.02–0.36, p = 0.031). Additionally, the interventions positively affected dimensions C (SMD = 0.31, 95% CI 0.00–0.62, p = 0.05), D (SMD = 0.30, 95% CI 0.06–0.56, p = 0.017), and B (SMD = 0.72, 95% CI 0.10–1.34, p = 0.023). The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) consists of 88 or 66 items, which are divided into five functional dimensions: GMFM-A (lying down and rolling), GMFM-B (sitting), GMFM-C (crawling and kneeling), GMFM-D (standing), and GMFM-E (walking, running, and jumping). Each subsection of the GMFM can be used separately to evaluate motor changes in a specific dimension of interest. Subgroup analysis revealed that different horse-assisted therapy approaches, types of cerebral palsy, exercise duration, frequency, and intervention periods are important factors influencing treatment outcomes. Conclusion The intervention period ranged from 8 to 12 weeks, with session durations of 30 to 45 minutes, 2 to 3 times per week. Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) demonstrated significant improvements in the overall gross motor function score, Dimension B, Dimension C, and Dimension D among children with cerebral palsy. The most effective treatment is provided by Equine-Assisted Therapy, followed by Horseback Riding Simulator (HRS). Due to its economic practicality, HRS plays an irreplaceable role. Clinical Evidence Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) demonstrates the most effective treatment outcomes, suggesting that hospitals and healthcare professionals can form specialized teams to provide rehabilitation guidance. 2. Within equine-assisted therapy, Horseback Riding Simulator (HRS) exhibits treatment efficacy second only to Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT), making it a cost-effective and practical option worthy of promotion and utilization among healthcare institutions and professionals. 3. In equine-assisted therapy, Therapeutic Horseback Riding (THR) holds certain value in rehabilitation due to its engaging and practical nature.

Correlation of Siting and Standing Performance with Gross Motor Functional Classification System in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in childhood, with spasticity as a frequent complication. Understanding the relationship between the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and motor abilities, such as sitting and standing performance, is critical for managing CP. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the correlation between sitting and standing performance with GMFCS in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 350 children diagnosed with CP, aged 6-12 years. Data were gathered over six months at a government secondary school for special education. The GMFCS was used to classify motor function, while sitting and standing abilities were assessed using the Sit to Stand Test. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, employing descriptive statistics and Spearman's rank correlation. Results: The study found that children at GMFCS levels I and II could often sit and walk with minimal or no assistance, whereas those at levels IV and V exhibited varied sitting abilities and primarily used technological aids or wheelchairs. A statistically significant association between sitting ability and GMFCS level was identified (Pearson Chi-Square = 29.151, p = 0.023). Children with spastic CP were predominantly classified at GMFCS levels III (49 participants) and V (49 participants), while those with dyskinetic CP were mainly at level II (13 participants). Conclusion: The GMFCS is an effective tool for assessing gross motor function in children with CP, with strong correlations found between GMFCS levels and sitting and standing performance. These findings can inform targeted interventions to improve mobility and quality of life for children with CP.

Relationship between sensory processing patterns and gross motor function of children and adolescents with Down syndrome and typical development: a cross-sectional study.

Children and adolescents with Down syndrome (DS) may experience impairments in sensory and motor skills that can be interrelated. The purposes of this study were (i) to compare the sensory processing patterns and gross motor function between children and adolescents with DS and with typical development (TD) and (ii) to explore associations between these areas in both DS and TD groups. This cross-sectional study involved a sample size of 25 participants with DS (mean age 10.24±2.04years) and 25 participants with TD (mean age 10.04±2.82years). The sensory processing patterns were assessed using the Sensory Profile Second Version questionnaire, and the gross motor function was measured with the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) dimensions (D) standing, and (E) walking, running, and jumping. Differences between groups were tested using the Mann-Whitney test, and the relationship between the variables was examined using Spearman's correlation tests, with a significance level set at 5%. Children with DS showed greater difficulties with sensory processing than TD children in Seeker (P<0.001), Avoider (P<0.001), Sensitivity (P<0.001), Registration (P<0.001), Auditory (P<0.001), Touch (P=0.001), Movements (P=0.001), Oral (P=0.028), Conduct (P=0.005), Socioemotional (P<0.001), and Attentional (P<0.001) domains. Additionally, children with DS presented lower gross motor function than TD in GMFM-88, standing (P<0.001) and walking, running, and jumping (P<0.001). Correlations were found between greater difficulties with sensory processing in Touch and lower gross motor function in walking, running, and jumping for the DS group. Our results suggest there are more difficulties in sensory processing patterns and gross motor function in children with DS than in TD. Also, there is a single association between more difficulties in sensory processing and less well-developed motor function in the DS group. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of all these aspects should be performed in children and adolescents with DS, along with the provision of relevant interventions addressing specific needs.

Association Between Calf Muscle Tone, Plantar Surface Area, and Gross Motor Function in Children with Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy.

Children diagnosed with spastic diplegic Cerebral Palsy (CP) usually demonstrate hypertonicity of the lower limb muscles which affects the normal alignments and weight reception by the feet. These impairments could be correlated to the limitations in gross motor function such as standing and walking abilities. Understanding these relationships can contribute to developing more effective rehabilitation strategies and improving overall motor outcomes for affected children. The current study was designed to explore the relationship between plantar surface area, weight distribution on the plantar surface, and gross motor function (namely, standing and walking abilities) in spastic diplegic CP children. Seventy-one spastic diplegic CP children aged 8-14 years joined this cross-sectional study. The Person's correlation coefficient and regression tests were used to assess the correlation between variables, namely, Gross Motor Function (GMFM), Calf Muscle Tone, Plantar surface area (PSA), and Peak pressure on mid and hind feet (PPMF, PPHF, respectively). These variables were assessed using the GMFM-88 scale, Modified Ashworth scale, and foot scan plantar pressure detection system, respectively. The correlation analysis demonstrated a strong to moderate positive correlation between PSA, PPMF, PPHF, and GMFM-D and GMFM-E. Additionally, regression model showed prediction levels equal to 0.791 for the GMFM-D and 0.720 for the GMFM-E categories, respectively. Standing and walking abilities were positively correlated (r ≥.6) with the increased plantar surface area and higher peak pressure on mid and hind feet in spastic diplegic CP. Future longitudinal studies should investigate changes in gross motor function in relation to improvement in plantar surface area and peak pressure values.

Effect of VOJTA Therapy on Gross Motor Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Effect of VOJTA Therapy on Gross Motor Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy

The effects of COVID-19 restrictions on gross motor function of children with cerebral palsy

Purpose. COVID-19 is an extremely infectious, life-threatening viral illness that has constituted a global public health emergency. Rehabilitation programs of children with cerebral palsy were interrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of COVID-19 restrictions on gross motor function of children with cerebral palsy.&#x0D; Material and Methods. In this study, a survey of fifty eight cerebral palsied children of both genders who received physical therapy recruited from three hospitals in Cairo, Egypt (October 6 university hospital -6th of October general hospital- El Hosary hospital- Zaid general hospital- Zaid specialled hospital- Private physical therapy centers). It was done through paediatrics Quality of life inventory (cerebral therapy module) to compare between the level of the children’s quality of life before and after frequent stopping of physical therapy sessions due to covid-19 pandemic.&#x0D; Results. The result of this study shows that there was a significant difference in movement and balance before and after the lockdown (p &lt;0.001). The mean value was decreased from 54.1% to 33.3%. Also, there was a significant decrease in Pain and hurt (p&lt;0.001) from 68.2% to 37.1% and in fatigue (p&lt;0.001) from 58.8% to 37.8%. Regarding age there was a significant difference between different age groups regarding daily activities (p&lt;0.001), pain (p&lt;0.010) and fatigue (p&lt;0.030), while after lockdown, there was a significant difference between different age groups regarding daily activities (p&lt;0.001) and fatigue (p&lt;0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion. Children with cerebral palsy were protected from COVID-19 exposure by staying at home, but their rehabilitation activities were disrupted. Therefore, during pandemics, caregivers must develop effective homecare therapy procedures, and healthcare professionals must routinely reassess the state of the child and caregiver. Additionally, caregivers of children with CP should experience less stress and anxiety. Children with CP can get multidisciplinary support, effective communication, and contact between medical professionals and families.

AN ICF CORE SET BASED INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF GROSS MOTOR FUNCTIONS ON HEALTH IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

Purpose: The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) is commonly used to assess gross motor functions in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Our aim was to investigate the relationship between gross motor function and health status in children with CP based on clinical types and functional levels. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 75 children with CP (mean age ± SD 7.59 ±3.86 years). The 66-item Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66) was used to measure the gross motor functions of children. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) CP Core Set was used to assess the general health status of children including body functions and structures, activity and participation, and environmental factors for obtaining a holistic framework. Results: Of the children, 61 (81.3%) were spastic and 14 (18.7%) were dyskinetic. Children were divided into 3 groups based on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level as mild (levels 1-2, n=28), moderate (level 3, n=16), and severe (levels 4-5, n=31). The GMFM-66 had moderate to strong correlations with body functions and structures (r=-0.811, p

Effects of Lower Extremity Functional Training (LIFT) on Gross Motor Function and Gait in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Background: Children with spastic cerebral palsy face challenges in mobility due to impairments in gross motor function and gait. Lower Extremity Functional Training (LIFT) is posited as a potential intervention to ameliorate these difficulties. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of LIFT on enhancing gross motor function and gait in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Methods: Employing a Randomized Controlled Trial design, the study recruited 22 participants and allocated them into intervention and control groups. Over six weeks, the intervention group received LIFT along with baseline treatment, while the control group received only baseline treatment. Outcomes were measured using the 2-minute Walk Test, Single Leg Stance Test, and Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM). Results: Post-intervention, the intervention group exhibited a statistically significant improvement in the Single Leg Stance Test (p=0.032). However, no significant differences were observed in the 2 Minute Walk Test (p=0.448) and GMFM (p=0.289) between the intervention and control groups. Within-group comparisons showed significant improvements from pre- to post-intervention in both the Single Leg Stance Test (p=0.006) and the 2 Minute Walk Test (p=0.012) for the intervention group, and in the 2 Minute Walk Test (p=0.003) and GMFM (p=0.004) for the control group. Conclusion: While LIFT resulted in significant within-group improvements in single-leg balance, it did not demonstrate a significant advantage over baseline treatment alone in improving overall gait and gross motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer intervention durations may be necessary to ascertain the full impact of LIFT in this population.