Development curves of communication and social interaction in individuals with cerebral palsy

Aim: To determine development curves of communication and social interaction from childhood into adulthood for individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). Method: This Pediatric Rehabilitation Research in the Netherlands (PERRIN)-DECADE study longitudinally assessed 421 individuals with CP, aged from 1 to 20 years at baseline, after 13 years (n=121 at follow-up). Communication and social interactions were assessed using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. We estimated the average maximum performance limit (level) and age at which 90% of the limit was reached (age90) using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. Results: One-hundred individuals without intellectual disability were aged 21 to 34 years at follow-up (39 females, 61 males) (mean age [SD] 28y 5mo [3y 11mo]). Limits of individuals without intellectual disability, regardless of Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level, approached the maximum score and were significantly higher than those of individuals with intellectual disability. Ages90 ranged between 3 and 4 years for receptive communication, 6 and 7 years for expressive communication and interrelationships, 12 and 16 years for written communication, 13 and 16 years for play and leisure, and 14 and 16 years for coping. Twenty-one individuals with intellectual disability were between 21 and 27 years at follow-up (8 females, 13 males) (mean age [SD] 24y 7mo [1y 8mo]). Individuals with intellectual disability in GMFCS level V showed the least favourable development, but variation between individuals with intellectual disability was large. Interpretation: Individuals with CP and without intellectual disability show developmental curves of communication and social interactions similar to typically developing individuals, regardless of their level of motor function. Those with intellectual disability reach lower performance levels and vary largely in individual development. What this paper adds: Communication and social interactions in individuals with cerebral palsy without intellectual disability develop similarly to typically developing individuals. Communication and social interactions of individuals with intellectual disability develop less favourably and show large variation

Pain, quality of life, self perception of health and depression in patients with fibromyalgia, submited to hydrocinesiotherapy

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of treatment by hydrotherapy on quality of life, perception of pain and the severity of depression in a group of patients with fibromyalgia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 64 females divided into two groups: hydrocinesiotherapy (n = 33, 58.2 ± 10.6 years) and control group (n = 31 with 59.6 ± 9.4 years) with clinical diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Individuals were assessed by Visual Analog Scale of Pain (VAS), the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and the Beck Depression Inventory. Participants underwent a treatment in a hydrotherapy pool heated to 33ºC over a period of 15 weeks, two sessions per week of 45 minutes, a total of 30 sessions. The exercises were underwater: cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, mobility, coordination, balance and still, stretching exercises and muscle relaxation. The ANOVA 2×2 and Kruskall-Wallis was used for statistical analysis RESULTS: There were statistically significant improvements in the perception of pain intensity (Δ% = -28.2%, p < 0, 01), quality of life (Δ% = -32.4%, p < 0, 05) and depression symptoms (Δ% = -35.4%, p < 0, 05) in favor of the Hydrotherapy group compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that hydrocinesiotherapy was effective as an alternative therapy for fibromyalgia, however further studies are recommended to test the associations between the variables and intervention programs and using the water activities, and the modifiability of the parameters of physical and mental health when these individuals undergo programs of short, medium and long duration.OBJETIVOS: Analisar os efeitos do tratamento hidrocinesioterapêutico na qualidade de vida, percepção de dor e gravidade de episódios depressivos em um grupo de pacientes com fibromialgia. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 64 indivíduos do sexo feminino, separados em dois grupos: hidrocinesioterapia (n = 33; 58,2 ± 10,6 anos) e grupo controle (n = 31; 59,6 ± 9,4 anos), com diagnóstico de fibromialgia. Os indivíduos foram avaliados através da Escala Analógica Visual de Dor (EVA), o Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), e o Inventário de Beck. Os participantes foram submetidos a um tratamento hidrocinesioterápico numa piscina aquecida a 33ºC com duas sessões de 45 minutos por semana, ao longo 15 semanas, num total de 30 sessões. Os exercícios subaquáticos foram: de condicionamento cardiovascular, de força, de mobilidade, de coordenação, de equilíbrio, de alongamento e de relaxamento muscular. Utilizou-se a ANOVA 2×2 e Kruskal-Wallis para análise estatística. RESULTADOS: Foram observadas melhorias estatisticamente significativas na percepção da intensidade da dor (Δ% = -28,2%, p < 0,01), na qualidade de vida (Δ% = -32,4%, p < 0,05) e nos sintomas de depressão (Δ% = -35,4%, p < 0,05) favoráveis ao grupo hidrocinesioterapia comparado ao grupo controle. CONCLUSÕES: O estudo sugere que a hidrocinesioterapia mostrou-se eficaz como terapia alternativa da fibromialgia. No entanto, recomenda novos estudos que testem as associações existentes entre as variáveis analisadas e os programas de intervenção, utilizando as atividades aquáticas, bem como a modificabilidade dos parâmetros de saúde física e psíquica quando estes indivíduos são submetidos a programas de curta, média e longa duração.Faculdade Católica Rainha do SertãoUniversidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciências do Desporto e Educação FísicaCentro Universitário da Fundação Educacional GuaxupéUniversidade Federal do ParanáFederal do Estado do Rio de JaneiroUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)UNIFESPSciEL

The postural effects of load carriage on young people – a systematic review

BACKGROUND: Spinal pain in young people is a significant source of morbidity in industrialised countries. The carriage of posterior loads by young people has been linked with spinal pain, and the amount of postural change produced by load carriage has been used as a measure of the potential to cause tissue damage. The purpose of this review was to identify, appraise and collate the research evidence regarding load-carriage related postural changes in young people. METHODS: A systematic literature review sought published literature on the postural effects of load carriage in young people. Sixteen databases were searched, which covered the domains of allied health, childcare, engineering, health, health-research, health-science, medicine and medical sciences. Two independent reviewers graded the papers according to Lloyd-Smith's hierarchy of evidence scale. Papers graded between 1a (meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials) and 2b (well-designed quasi-experimental study) were eligible for inclusion in this review. These papers were quality appraised using a modified Crombie tool. The results informed the collation of research evidence from the papers sourced. RESULTS: Seven papers were identified for inclusion in this review. Methodological differences limited our ability to collate evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence based recommendations for load carriage in young people could not be made based on the results of this systematic review, therefore constraining the use of published literature to inform good load carriage practice for young people

Development curves of communication and social interaction in individuals with cerebral palsy

Aim: To determine development curves of communication and social interaction from childhood into adulthood for individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). Method: This Pediatric Rehabilitation Research in the Netherlands (PERRIN)-DECADE study longitudinally assessed 421 individuals with CP, aged from 1 to 20 years at baseline, after 13 years (n=121 at follow-up). Communication and social interactions were assessed using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. We estimated the average maximum performance limit (level) and age at which 90% of the limit was reached (age90) using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. Results: One-hundred individuals without intellectual disability were aged 21 to 34 years at follow-up (39 females, 61 males) (mean age [SD] 28y 5mo [3y 11mo]). Limits of individuals without intellectual disability, regardless of Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level, approached the maximum score and were significantly higher than those of individuals with intellectual disability. Ages90 ranged between 3 and 4 years for receptive communication, 6 and 7 years for expressive communication and interrelationships, 12 and 16 years for written communication, 13 and 16 years for play and leisure, and 14 and 16 years for coping. Twenty-one individuals with intellectual disability were between 21 and 27 years at follow-up (8 females, 13 males) (mean age [SD] 24y 7mo [1y 8mo]). Individuals with intellectual disability in GMFCS level V showed the least favourable development, but variation between individuals with intellectual disability was large. Interpretation: Individuals with CP and without intellectual disability show developmental curves of communication and social interactions similar to typically developing individuals, regardless of their level of motor function. Those with intellectual disability reach lower performance levels and vary largely in individual development. What this paper adds: Communication and social interactions in individuals with cerebral palsy without intellectual disability develop similarly to typically developing individuals. Communication and social interactions of individuals with intellectual disability develop less favourably and show large variation

A new computer-based instrument to measure language comprehension in non-speaking children with Cerebral Palsy

A group of 20 children with cerebral Palsy, and complex communication needs (NSCP) (GMFCS IV and V) and a group of 42 children with no disability participated in this exploratory study to (1) devise a computer-based instrument (C-BiLT) that measures the comprehension of spoken language in young children (18 - 75 months) with NSCP, and to (2) investigate whether this instrument can be an alternative for standard language assessments such as the Reynell Development Language Scale (RLDS). The C-BiLT minimizes the demands in movement enabling all children with GMFCS V to perform better. Preliminary results are promising and form a sound basis for further development

Implementing the language comprehension test C-BiLLT: a qualitative description study using the COM-B model of behaviour change

Abstract Background It is challenging to reliably assess the language comprehension of children with severe motor and speech impairments using traditional assessment tools. The Computer Based instrument for Low motor Language Testing (C-BiLLT) aims to reduce barriers to evidence-based assessment for this population by allowing children to access the test using non-traditional methods such as eye gaze so they can independently respond to test items. The purpose of this study is to develop a contextualized understanding of the factors that influenced clinicians’ implementation of the C-BILLT in practice in the Netherlands and Norway. Materials and methods A qualitative approach including semi-structured individual interviews with 15 clinicians (speech-language pathologists, neuropsychologists, and one teacher, counsellor, and vision specialist) was used. Data analysis was conducted in two rounds. First, a deductive approach including a codebook was used to code data within the COM-B components describing clinicians’ capability, opportunity, and motivation for behaviour change. Then, an abductive approach applying thematic analysis was used to identify meaningful patterns within the COM-B components. Results Several meaningful barriers and facilitators were identified across the data. Clinicians used the C-BiLLT with two distinct groups of clients: (1) the population it was originally developed for, and (2) clients that could have also been assessed using a traditional language test. Clinicians working with the first group experienced more, and more complex barriers across all COM-B components, to successful C-BiLLT use than the latter. Conclusion This study provides timely insights into the capability, opportunity, and motivation factors important for creating and sustaining assessment behaviour change in clinicians who used or attempted to use the C-BiLLT. Potential tailored intervention strategies aimed at improving implementation of novel assessment tools are discussed and may be helpful for others working to improve service delivery for children with complex needs

Factors associated with spoken language comprehension in children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review

Aim: To identify factors that are relevant for spoken language comprehension in children with cerebral palsy (CP), following the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health – Children and Youth (ICF-CY) framework. Method: A systematic literature search was conducted using the electronic literature databases PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, and Cochrane Library, from January 1967 to December 2019. Included studies involved children with CP, results regarding spoken language comprehension, and analysis of at least one associated factor. Factors were classified within ICF-CY domains. Results: Twenty-one studies met inclusion criteria. Factors in the ICF-CY domains of body functions and structure were most frequently reported. White brain matter abnormalities, motor type, functional mobility, and intellectual functioning appear to be relevant factors in spoken language comprehension in CP. Factors in the domain of activities and participation, as well as contextual factors, have rarely been studied in the context of spoken language comprehension in CP. Interpretation: Most factors known to be important for spoken language comprehension in typically developing children and/or known to be susceptible to change by interventions are understudied in CP