Effects of dorsal static splint on spasticity and range of motion of upper extremity of children with cerebral palsy in three time periods

Cerebral Palsy [CP] is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by non-progressive lesions in single or multiple locations in the immature brain. Lesions of motor cortex and pyramidal tracts can lead to spasticity. Inhibition of spasticity is necessary to increase extremity mobilization, prevent postural abnormalities and provide independence in daily living activities. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of volar static splint spasticity and range of motion of upper extremity in children with Cerebral palsy in three periods of time. The design of this study was experimental and repeated measurements. Ten children with Cerebral palsy aging 4-6 years old were non-randomly selected among children referred to occupational therapy Clinic of rehabilitation Faculty of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Children used dorsal static splint for three months [2 hours at day and 4 hours at night]. In this study, Modified Ashworth Scale was used to evaluate spasticity and a Goniometre was used to measure passive range of motion. The results of this study showed significant reduction in the upper limb spasticity after 2 months [p

[ comparative study on motor skills in 5-year-old children with phonological and phonetic disorders]

Speech as a motor phenomenon requires repetitive and rapid function of articulatory organs performing extremely fine movements. Practice on motor skills results in facilitation in treatment progress of children with phonological disorders. The purpose of this study was to compare motor skills in 5-year-old children with phonological and phonetic disorders. Thirty-two children age 5 years, 16 with phonemical speech sound disorders and 16 with difficulty at a phonetic level participated in this study. TOLD Test was performed for linguistic skills investigation among children. Phonetic test, Wepman test, diadochokinesis and oral assessment was used for diagnosis between phonological and phonetic disorders. The children were also evaluated with Oseretsky motor developmental scale. In comparison, mean scores of movement skills between both groups showed significant difference [p=0.006] and children with phonetic disorder got significantly higher scores on all part of this test. The findings of this study support the idea that speech sound disorders are frequently associated with motor problems, and that type of articulation disorder affects the motor performance in a different way. Phonological disorders seem to have more impact on motor performance than phonetic disorders. The results authenticate the need to pay more attention to the motor skills of children with articulation disorders