Supplementing transcranial magnetic stimulation with intermittent resistance training improves the recovery of motor function in Parkinson′s disease / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To explore any effect of supplementing low-frequency repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with intermittent resistance training on muscle tone and the recovery of motor function among persons with Parkinson′s disease (PD).Methods:A total of 104 PD patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, each of 52. Both groups were treated with conventional drugs and low-frequency rTMS, while the observation group was additionally provided with intermittent resistance training for 8 weeks. Before and after the intervention, the motor functioning of both groups was evaluated using unified Parkinson′s disease rating scale-III (UPDRS-III) and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Limb muscle tension was quantified using the modified Ashworth scale (MAS). The subjects′ psychological states were quantified using the exercise self-efficacy scale (ESE), and the modified Barthel index (MBI) was applied to evaluate their ability in the activities of daily living. A 3D motion processing system collected and analyzed data describing each subject′s gait kinematics.Results:After the intervention, significantly greater average improvement was observed in all of the outcome measures among the observation group compared with the control group.Conclusion:Combining intermittent resistance training with low-frequency rTMS can significantly reduce muscle tone and improve the motor functioning of PD patients. The combination is more effective than low-frequency rTMS alone.

Research progress on involvement of pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus in dystonia / 中华神经科杂志

As the major part of mesencephalic locomotion region, pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPN) participates in motor initiation, rhythmic and speed regulation. In addition, PPN is regarded as a novel deep brain stimulation target for patients with Parkinson′s disease due to its dramatic effect on the gait disturbance and postural instability. However, PPN also has an important role in muscle tone control and dystonia. This review is aimed at summarizing the involvement of PPN in dystonia, providing fundamental for targeting PPN for treatment of dystonia in the future.

Difference of cervical and shoulder muscle performance and its correlation with pain and body mass index in patients with chronic neck pain / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo test the inter-tester reliability and test-retest reliability of MyotonPRO for evaluating neck and shoulder muscle performance parameters in patients with unilateral chronic neck pain, observe the difference of muscle performance between the healthy and affected sides of patients with chronic neck pain, and analyze the factors that cause the imbalance of muscle performance in patients with chronic neck pain. MethodsFrom January to June, 2023, 32 patients with unilateral chronic neck pain in Guangdong Second Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital were selected. Two testers used the same MyotonPRO equipment to measure the muscle tone, muscle hardness and muscle elasticity on both sides of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the upper trapezius muscle in the relaxed position. Tester 1 repeated the measurement after an interval of 30 minutes, and Tester 2 was measured within the time interval between the two measurements of Tester 1. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of mean (SEM) and minimum detectable change (MDC) were calculated simultaneously. The measurement results were plotted into Bland-Altman diagram and systematic bias analysis was performed. The difference in muscle characteristics between the affected side and the healthy side was compared. At the same time, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score and body mass index (BMI) of the subjects were collected for correlation analysis. ResultsExcept the sternocleidomastoid muscle elasticity of the affected side (ICC = 0.697), the inter-tester reliability of all other parameters was high to very high (ICC = 0.719 to 0.952, SEM = 0.04 to 6.53, MDC = 0.12 to 18.11). The test-retest reliability of all parameters was high (ICC = 0.883 to 0.981, SEM = 0.03 to 5.72, MDC = 0.09 to 15.84). Bland-Altman plot analysis showed that the scatter distribution was consistent. The muscle tone, muscle hardness and muscle elasticity of sternocleidomastoid muscle and upper trapezius muscle were higher on the affected side than on the healthy side (t > 2.846, P < 0.05). The asymmetry index of tension, hardness and elasticity of upper trapezius muscle and sternocleidomastoid muscle was significantly positively correlated with VAS score and BMI (r > 0.385, P < 0.05). ConclusionMyotonPRO has good inter-tester reliability and retest reliability in evaluating the muscle performance of both sides of patients with chronic neck pain. The muscle tone, muscle hardness and muscle elasticity of sternocleidomastoid muscle and upper trapezius muscle on the affected side were higher than on the healthy side, and the difference of muscle performance was positively correlated with pain and BMI.

Characteristics of sleep disorders in patients with Parkinson disease and its relationship with hypotonia during rapid eye movement sleep / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To analyze the characteristics of sleep disorders in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) and to explore the relationship between respiratory events and rapid eye movement sleep with hypotonia.Methods:Thirty-nine PD patients compared with 75 controls matched with gender, age and body mass index(BMI) were collected in the Dalian Municipal Central Hospital from January 1, 2019 to September 31, 2019. Both groups underwent polysomnography monitoring. The characteristics of sleep disorders were analyzed and discussed.Results:Apnea and hypopnea index (AHI) during total sleep, AHI during non-rapid eye movement(NREM) sleep, AHI during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, obstructive apnea index, mixed apnea index, central apnea index, total apnea index, hypopnea index, the time with pulse oximetry <90% and oxygen desaturation index in the PD group were lower than those in the control group: 3.70(0.80, 20.00) /h vs. 17.30(7.30, 28.20)/h, 2.30(0.70, 13.90)/h vs. 15.20(4.90, 27.50)/h, 2.30(0.00, 29.80)/h vs. 16.90(5.70, 39.50)/h, 0.30(0.00, 5.10)/h vs. 3.10(0.50, 7.80)/h, 0.00(0.00, 0.20)/h vs. 0.20(0.00, 0.60)/h, 0.00(0.00, 0.30)/h vs. 0.30(0.00, 0.80)/h, 0.70(0.00, 6.00)/h vs. 3.90(0.80, 10.70)/h, 1.70(0.50, 8.90)/h vs. 8.70(2.70, 14.90)/h, 0.00(0.00, 0.40)min vs. 0.20(0.00, 1.70)min, 4.10(1.10, 18.40)% vs. 16.50(9.30, 30.80)%, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The mean pulse oximetry and minimum pulse oximetry in the PD group were higher than those in the control group: 96.00(95.00, 97.00)% vs. 95.00(94.00, 96.00)%, 89.00(82.00, 91.00)% vs. 85.00(81.00, 89.00)%, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). PD group was divided into PD with RSWA group (PD + RSWA) and PD without RSWA group (PD-RSWA) according to whether there was atonia or not. AHI during REM sleep in the PD+RSWA group was lower than that in the PD-RSWA group: 0.00(0.00, 5.40)/h vs. 5.75(0.52, 34.57)/h, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusions:PD has a protective effect on nocturnal respiratory events, which may be due to the increased muscle tone of upper airway.

Immediate effects of extracorporeal shock wave on muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity of wrist flexor in stroke patients / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that the elasticity of the radial wrist flexor and ulnar wrist flexor muscles is related to the power of gripping, and the tension and stiffness directly affect the pinching force on the thumb side and the palm gripping ability. Extracorporeal shock waves have a definite effect on alleviating post-stroke limb spasm. OBJECTIVE: To observe the immediate effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity of flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris in stroke patients. METHODS: Twenty stroke patients with hemiplegia who met the inclusion criteria were given a single session of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris. The oscillation frequency, logarithmic decrement, dynamic stiffness of flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris were detected using a muscle tone measurement device Myoton-3 before treatment and 5 minutes after treatment. At the same time, the Modified Tardieu Scale was used to evaluate spasticity of wrist flexor before and after treatment. The study protocol was implemented in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, and the enrolled patients and their families were fully informed of the whole trial. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: After treatment, the oscillation frequency, logarithmic decrement, dynamic stiffness, and quality of muscle response of flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris were significantly reduced in all the patients (P < 0.01). The maximum passive range of motion of wrist extension and angle of catch following a fast velocity stretch wrist flexor were significantly higher than those before (P < 0.01). In conclusion, a single session of extracorporeal shock wave therapy can effectively reduce muscle tone and stiffness, and improve elasticity of flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris in stroke patients. And it can also improve the maximum passive range of motion of wrist extension.

Comparison of Electroacupuncture and Body Acupuncture on Gastrocnemius Muscle Tone in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Single Blinded, Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the immediate effects of electroacupuncture (EA) and body acupuncture (BA) on gastrocnemius muscle tone in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP).@*METHODS@#Children with spastic CP, age from 24 to 60 months, who all received rehabilitation treatment in the Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, the First Hospital of Jilin University from April 2016 to May 2017 were enrolled in this trial and assigned to EA group and BA group through a random number table. Both EA and BA therapies were performed on acupoints of Zusanli (ST 36), Shangjuxu (ST 37), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), and Xuanzhong (GB 39) for 30 min once. The root mean square (RMS), integrated electromyogram (iEMG) of the gastrocnemius of surface electromyography (sEMG), and Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS) of the two groups were evaluated before and after treatment. All adverse events were accurately recorded.@*RESULTS@#Thirty-six children with spastic CP completed the study (18 cases and 32 legs in the EA group; 18 cases and 31 legs in the BA group). There was no significant difference in RMS, iEMG and MTS between the two groups before treatment (P>0.05). After treatment, compared with before treatment, RMS and iEMG significantly reduced and MTS (R2-R1) significantly increased in both EA and BA groups (P0.05). There was no serious adverse event during this clinical trial.@*CONCLUSION@#Both EA and BA could significantly relieve the gastrocnemius muscle tone in spastic CP, and EA was more effective than BA. (Registration No. ChiCTRONC-15007633).

Effect Of Magnesium On Neonates Of Mother Given Mgso4 For Pih

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive, multi-system disorder of pregnancy that significantly contributes to maternal and fetal/neonatal morbidity and mortality. It is found that Mgnesium sulfate injection is associated with lower apgar score and poor muscle tone. There are some confounding factors as meconium stained, birth asphyxia . Thus to ascertain whether poor muscle tone and poor APGAR score is solely due to Magnesium or other reasons, we have done the study

Immediate Effect of Sustained Stretching Exercises with Far Infrared on the Ankle Range of Motion and Muscle Tone in Patients with Stroke

PURPOSE: The spasticity of stroke patients decreases the ankle range of motion and increases the gastrocnemius muscle tone. This study examined the effects of stretching exercise and far infrared irradiation on the ankle function in stroke patients with spasticity. METHODS: This study was conducted on 20 stroke patients admitted to Jesaeng General Hospital, who were divided into a study group (stretching exercise with far infrared) and control group (stretching exercise only). The dorsiflexion range of motion was measured using a smartphone and the medial gastrocnemius muscle tone and stiffness were measured using a Myoton pro. RESULTS: With the exception of the non-paretic gastrocnemius muscle tone in the control group, the medial gastrocnemius muscle tone and stiffness decreased significantly in both groups. In both groups, the dorsiflexion range of motion increased significantly. In addition, the experimental group had a significantly higher dorsiflexion range of motion than the control group. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the medial gastrocnemius muscle tone and stiffness. CONCLUSION: For stroke patients with spasticity, stretching exercises increased the ankle's range of motion and decreased the gastrocnemius muscle tone. The addition of heat therapy further increased the ankle's range of motion. On the other hand, as the sample size was small, future studies should include more subjects.

Etiological Classification and Developmental Outcomes in Floppy Infants: A Single Tertiary Center Experience / 대한소아신경학회지

PURPOSE: Floppy infants or congenital hypotonia indicates decreased muscle tone in infants secondary to abnormalities of the central or the peripheral nervous system, or both. Previous literature classified its causes as those attributable to a central vs. peripheral origin; however, recent studies have introduced a newer classification describing a combined origin. We invenstigated floppy infants by applying the new etiological classification and reviewed the most common etiologies based on the age of presentation. We additionally reviewed the clinical characteristics, diagnoses, and the developmental outcomes in these infants. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical charts and recruited 116 infants diagnosed with floppy infant syndrome between January 2005 and December 2016 at Severance Children's Hospital. Among these infants, 66 with a confirmed diagnosis were reviewed for the etiological classification. Information regarding developmental outcomes was obtained via phone interviews with the infants' families. RESULTS: Based on the new etiological classification, among 69 infants with a confirmed diagnosis, in 40 (34.5%) this syndrome was of central origin, in 19 (16.4%) of peripheral origin, and in 10 (8.6%) of combined origin. Prader-Willi syndrome, myotonic dystrophy, and spinal muscular atrophy were the most common disorders observed and combined hypotonia showed the poorest developmental outcome. CONCLUSION: The study states the importance of proper evaluation of etiological diagnosis and optimal intervention for developmental prognosis. The introduction of a new etiological group of combined hypotonia especially emphasizes regular monitoring and timely rehabilitative intervention in patients for the better quality of life in them as well as their caregivers.

End-stage Treatment of a Patient with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Severe Retroflexion of the Neck -Improvement in Retroflexion of the Neck by Botulinum Therapy: A Case Report- / 日本プライマリ・ケア連合学会誌

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) comprises psychiatric, neurological and physical complications. In the late stage, most patients with PSP are bed-bound because of motor disability. PSP manifests as predominantly axial abnormality in posture and abnormal muscle tone, resulting in cervical retroflexion and somatic pains. Severe retroflexion of the neck is frequently a cause of repeated aspiration pneumonia that affects survival expectancy. We injected botulinum toxin (BTX) for severe retroflexion using a CT-guided procedure to confirm the anatomical locations of paravertebral muscles and to localize the paravertebral target muscles for a patient with PSP who had repeated pneumonia caused by retroflexion-related dysphagia. BTX injection treatment markedly ameliorated the cervical dystonia and concomitant dysphagia. The patient has recovered and may be able to be discharged to home. There are few reports on the BTX injection technique, but BTX has analgesic effects and induces relaxation of abnormal muscle tension. Therefore, it may be applicable to other movement disorders at the late stage.

Correlation between tongue pressure and electrical activity of the suprahyoid muscles / Correlação entre pressão de língua e atividade elétrica da musculatura supra-hióidea

ABSTRACT Objective: to investigate the correlation between the tongue pressure and the electrical activity of the suprahyoid muscles. Methods: a across-sectional, observational and analytical study conducted with 15 men and 22 women. Each participant underwent simultaneous assessment of maximal tongue pressure through the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI) and the surface electromyography of the suprahyoid muscles. They were asked to press the tongue against the hard palate in the anterior and posterior region, with and without IOPI. The adopted significance level of the performed analyses was 5%. Results: there was a moderate and significant correlation only between suprahyoid electrical activity and tongue pressure in the posterior region. It was verified that the measured electrical potentials, when using the IOPI, were greater in the tasks of anterior pressure than in the tasks of the posterior one, bilaterally. Without using the IOPI, the electrical potentials were greater in the posterior pressure than in the anterior one, bilaterally. Finally, the values of lingual pressure were compared with the bulb positioned in the anterior and posterior parts, and the anterior tongue pressure was higher. Conclusion: there was a moderate correlation between tongue pressure and electrical potential of the suprahyoid muscles, researched by the surface electromyography, only when performing activities with the posterior portion of the tongue.

RESUMO Objetivo: investigar a correlação entre as medidas de pressão de língua ea atividade elétricada musculatura supra-hióidea. Métodos: estudo transversal observacional analítico realizado com 15 homens e 22 mulheres. Cada participante foi submetido simultaneamente à avaliação da pressão lingual máxima por meio do Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI) e da eletromiografia de superfície dos músculos supra-hióideos. Foi solicitadorealizar pressão da língua contra o palato duro em região anterior e posterior, com e sem IOPI. Foi adotado o nível de significância de 5% nas análises realizadas. Resultados: verificou-se correlação moderada e significante apenas entre atividade elétrica supra-hióidea e pressão de língua em região posterior. Verificou-se que os potenciais elétricos medidos quando do uso do IOPI, foram maiores nas tarefas de pressão anterior do que posterior, bilateralmente. Já sem o uso do IOPI a pressão posterior gerou maiores potenciais elétricos do que a anterior bilateralmente. Por fim, foram comparados os valores da pressão lingual com o bulbo posicionado na parte anterior e posterior, tendo sido a pressão de língua anterior maior. Conclusão: houve correlação moderada entre pressão de língua e potencial elétrico dos músculos supra-hióideos pesquisado pela eletromiografia de superfície, apenas quando realizadas atividades com a porção posterior da língua.

Progress of Transcutaneous Spinal Direct Current Stimulation (review) / 中国康复理论与实践

As a kind of mature non-invasive brain stimulation technology, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has shown sig-nificance in clinic. Recently, DCS has been applied over the scalp to the spinal cord, named transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS), that may modulate the spinal cord tracts and spinal cord loop electrical activity at segmental level, and may benefit in the treatment of chronic pain and motor dysfunction after injury of nervous system. This paper reviewed physiological effects, safety considerations and potential clinical applications of tsDCS.

Modulating Tone to Promote Motor Development Using a Neurofacilitation of Developmental Reaction (NFDR) Approach in Children with

Objective: To compare the efficacy of a Neurofacilitation of Developmental Reaction (NFDR) approach with that of a Conventional approach in the modulation of tone in children with neurodevelopmental delay. Methods: Experimental control design. A total of 30 spastic children ranging in age from 4 to 7 years with neurodevelopmental delay were included. Baseline evaluations of muscle tone and gross motor functional performance abilities were performed. The children were allocated into two intervention groups of 15 subjects each. In groups A and B, the NFDR and conventional approaches were applied, respectively, for 3 months and were followed by subsequent re-evaluations. Results: Between group analyses were performed using independent t test for tone and primitive reflex intensity and a Mann-Whitney U test for gross motor functional ability. For the within-group analyses, paired t tests were used for tone and primitive reflex intensity, and a Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for gross motor functional ability. Conclusion: The NFDR approach/technique prepares the muscle to undergo tonal modulation and thereby enhances motor development and improves the motor functional performance abilities of the children with neurodevelopmental delay.

Correlation between Muscle Tone and Motor Delay and Biochemical Levels of Carbohydrates in Urine.

Aims: To establish a possible correlation between children’s clinical status and carbohydrates in their urine samples as they could be a useful additional tool for objective assessment of muscle tone and motor development. Place and Duration of Study: The Department of Child, Adolescent and Developmental Neurology, University Children’s Hospital in Ljubljana between December 1, 2011 and August 31, 2013. Methodology: The retrospective part of the study comprised children aged 0-5 years (average age, 29.3 months) with motor developmental delay and/or abnormal muscle tone. A group of healthy individuals comprised the prospective part. Besides clinical assessment, electrochemical detection of ten sugars in the urine samples was performed using ion chromatography combined with electrochemical detection and tandem mass spectrometry. Results: 72.0% of 82 hospitalised children had a disorder of muscle tone and/or DQ < 70, 28.0% had a pathological urine sample and an abnormal clinical examination, while 44.0% of children had a clinical abnormality and a normal urine sample. In the control group, 22.7% had pathological urine samples. There was a statistically significant difference between patients and control subjects in the value of fucose (p = 0.020), sucrose (p = 0.051) and ribose (p = 0.000). Conclusion: A significant correlation was found between abnormalities in clinical status and pathological urine samples (p = 0.002). Absolute and relative values of specific carbohydrates and the number of elevated sugars showed a strong correlation with disease severity.

Effects of Acupuncture on Lower Extremities Adductors Strain for Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To observe the effects of the acupuncture on muscle strain of lower extremities adductors for children with spastic cerebral palsy. Methods 100 children with spastic cerebral palsy were divided into treatment group (n=50) and control group (n=50) randomly.The control group accepted routine rehabilitation, and the treatment group accepted acupuncture in addition. The passive range of motion (ROM) of adductor angle, D and E domains of Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) were observed before and after treatment. Results ROM and GMFM-88 improved after treatment (P<0.05), and improved more in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture can release muscle strain of lower extremities adductors of children with spastic cerebral palsy and improve the motor function.

Effect of Electroacupuncture Combined with Tuina on Lumbar Muscle Tone in Patients with Acute Lumbar Sprain / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with tuina on acute lumbar sprain and lumbar muscle tone before and after treatment. ＜br> Methods: A total of 130 acute lumbar sprain cases were randomly allocated into an observation group and a control group, 65 in each group. Cases in the observation group were treated with EA combined with tuina, whereas cases in the control group were treated with Diclofenac Sodium Dual Release Enteric-coated capsules. The muscle tones in two groups were tested before and after treatment. ＜br> Results: The recovery rate and overall response rate in the observation group were 66.2% and 93.8% respectively, versus 56.9% and 87.7% in the control group, showing no between-group statistical significances (P>0.05). After treatment, the force-displacement area under curve (AUC) in both groups showed a significance difference (P＜0.05). ＜br> Conclusion: Both EA combined with tuina and aforementioned oral medication have remarkable effects for acute lumbar sprain, and the former can better improve the lumbar muscle tone in patients with acute lumbar sprain.

Effect of Vibroacoustic Therapy with Five Elements Music on Muscle Tone of Children with Cerebral Palsy / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective To explore the effect of vibroacoustic therapy with Five Elements Music on muscle tone of children with cerebral palsy. Methods 90 children with spastic cerebral palsy were divided into three groups with 30 cases in each group, named conventional ther-apy group, listening group and vibroacoustic group. Conventional group was treated with physical therapy, massage and hydrotherapy by Chinese medicine. Listening group were treated by listening to the Jiao Music in addition to the conventional therapy. Vibroacoustic group was treated by vibroacoustic therapy based on the listening group. The listening group and vibroacoustic group were treated for 30 min a day for 20 d. The muscle tone and the range of motion (ROM) of hips, knees and ankle before and after treatment were assessed. Results There was no significant difference in age and gender, as well as the muscle tone in lower limbs and ROM of hips, knees and ankle among 3 groups before treatment (P>0.05). After treatment, the muscle tone decreased in the listening group and the vibroacoustic group (P<0.05). The ROM of hips, knees and ankle improved only in the vibroacoustic group (P<0.05). Conclusion Listening to the Jiao music of Five Ele-ments and vibroacoustic therapy with Jiao music can decrease the muscle tone in lower limbs of children with spastic cerebral palsy. And vi-broacoustic therapy with Five Elements Music can also improve the ROM of lower limbs the patients.

Motor function evaluation of hydrocephalus children / Avaliação da função motora de crianças com hidrocefalia

Objectives: To evaluate the kinetic functional condition of children with hydrocephalus; to identify the condition of the muscle tone; to verify the static and dynamic functional activities; and to verify the association between tone changes and functional activities. Method: A cross-sectional, descriptive, exploratory and study, using qualitative and quantitative approach, performed at the University Hospital in Aracaju city, from August 2009 to March 2010. Results: From 50 evaluated children, 30 (60%) had hypertonia; 10 (20%) were hypotonic; and 10 (20%) did not show muscle tone alteration. The age average was considerably lesser in hypertonic children and higher in hypotonic and without tone alteration children. The average of carried through surgeries was more expressive in hypertonic children. Motor sequels had been present in 92% of the sample. The static functional activities, as well as dynamic functional activities, were lower in hypertonic children (p < 0,0001) and higher in hypotonic and normal tone children. Conclusions: Muscle tone exacerbation is more present in hydrocephalus children and motor function is impaired, being the neuropsychomotor development delayed more evident in spastic children group and less pronounced in children with normal muscle tone.

Objetivos: Avaliar o quadro cinético-funcional de crianças com hidrocefalia; identificar a condição do tônus muscular; verificar as atividades funcionais estáticas e dinâmicas; verificar a associação entre as alterações de tônus e as atividades funcionais nas crianças com hidrocefalia. Método: Estudo transversal, de caráter descritivo, exploratório e de campo, sob abordagem qualiquantitativa, realizado no ambulatório do Hospital Universitário, do município de Aracaju, no período de agosto de 2009 a março de 2010. Resultados: Das 50 crianças avaliadas, 30 (60%) apresentavam hipertonia; 10 (20%) eram hipotônicas; 10 (20%) não apresentavam alteração de tônus muscular. A média de idade foi consideravelmente menor nas crianças hipertônicas em relação às crianças hipotônicas e normotônicas. A média de procedimentos cirúrgicos realizados foi mais expressiva no grupo de crianças com hipertonia muscular. As sequelas motoras estiveram presentes em 92% da amostra. As atividades funcionais estáticas, bem como as dinâmicas, encontraram-se mais comprometidas nas crianças hipertônicas (p < 0,0001) do que nas hipotônicas e normotônicas. Conclusões: A hipertonia muscular foi a alteração tônica mais presente nas crianças com hidrocefalia, e a função motora é deficitária, sendo o atraso no desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor mais evidente no grupo de crianças espásticas e menos pronunciado nas crianças com tônus muscular sem alterações.

Efecto de la movilización articular sobre la amplitud del Reflejo H en personas con espasticidad / Effect of joint mobilization on the H Reflex amplitude in people with spasticity / Efeito da mobilização articular sobre a amplitude do reflexo H em pessoas com espasticidade

Objetivo: Determinar el efecto de la movilización articular del tobillo sobre la amplitud del reflejo H del músculo sóleo en personas con espasticidad. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un cuasiexperimento con diseño cruzado y enmascaramiento simple en 24 personas voluntarias aleatorizadas para iniciar en el estudio control o experimental. Se aplicó tracción y oscilación rítmica en la articulación del tobillo durante cinco minutos. Se midieron los cambios en la amplitud de la onda H del reflejo de Hoffmann, como equivalente eléctrico del reflejo espinal monosináptico, estimulando el nervio tibial a nivel de la fosa poplítea y captando en el músculo sóleo. A cada persona se le realizaron 12 mediciones: basal, durante la movilización y después de finalizada. Se calcularon las variaciones de la amplitud de la onda H respecto a la medida basal. Para cada una de las mediciones se realizó una prueba de hipótesis (t de Student). Resultados: En los grupos de pacientes con lesión cerebral y lesión medular incompleta se encontró una diferencia significativa entre las medias de ambos estudios respecto a la variación de la amplitud de la onda H durante la aplicación de la movilización articular con disminución en el experimental y aumento en el control; en contraste, no se encontraron diferencias significativas después de finalizada la movilización. En pacientes con lesión medular completa no se observaron diferencias significativas en ninguna de las mediciones. Conclusiones: Se demuestra la eficacia de la movilización articular para la disminución de la amplitud de la onda H durante la maniobra de movilización en pacientes con lesión cerebral o lesión medular incompleta, pero sin ningún efecto residual después de finalizada. La investigación no arrojó evidencia para la disminución de la amplitud en lesión medular completa. Se sugiere replantear las intervenciones terapéuticas para disminución del tono muscular basadas en la movilización articular.

Objective: To determine the effect of ankle joint mobilization on the H reflex amplitude of the soleus muscle in people with spasticity. Materials and methods: A quasi-experimental study with crossover design and simple masking was conducted in 24 randomized subjects to initiate the control or experimental group. Traction and rhythmic oscillation were applied for five minutes to the ankle joint. H wave amplitude changes of Hoffmann reflex (electrical equivalent of the monosynaptic spinal reflex) was assessed, stimulating the tibial nerve at the level of the popliteal fossa and recording in the soleus muscle. In each subject 12 measurements were taken: basal rate, during and after mobilization. Changes in H reflex amplitude were calculated in relation to basal measurement. For each measurement a hypothesis test was performed (Student t test). Results: In groups of patients with brain injury and incomplete spinal cord injury, a significant difference was found between measurements of both studies, concerning variation in H reflex amplitude during the application of joint mobilization techniques, with a decrease in the experimental group and an increase in the control group. In contrast, no significant differences were found after mobilization therapy. Patients with complete spinal cord injury showed no significant differences in any measurements. Conclusion: We demonstrate the effectiveness of joint mobilization in the decrease of H reflex amplitude in patients with brain injury or incomplete spinal cord injury during the mobilization maneuver, but no residual effect after completion of the trial. This research showed no evidence regarding excitability reduction in complete spinal cord injury. We suggest that therapeutic interventions to decrease muscle tone based on the joint mobilization should be reconsidered.

Objetivo: Determinar o efeito da mobilização articular do tornozelo sobre a amplitude do reflexo H do músculo sóleo em pessoas com espasticidade. Materiais e métodos: se realizou um quase-experimento com desenho cruzado e mascaramento simples em 24 pessoas voluntárias aleatorizadas para iniciar o estudo controle ou experimental. Aplicou-se tração e oscilação rítmica na articulação do tornozelo durante cinco minutos. Mediram-se as mudanças na amplitude da onda H do reflexo de Hoffmann, como equivalente elétrico do reflexo espinhal monossináptico estimulando o nervo tibial no nível da fossa poplítea e captando no músculo sóleo. A cada uma das pessoas realizaram-lhes 12 medições: basal, durante a mobilização e depois de finalizada. Calcularam-se as variações da amplitude da onda H em relação à medida basal. Para cada uma das medições realizou-se uma prova de hipótese (t de Student). Resultados: Nos grupos de pacientes com lesão cerebral e lesão medular incompleta encontrou-se uma diferença significativa entres as médias de ambos os estudos com relação à variação da amplitude da onda H durante a aplicação da mobilização articular com diminuição no experimental e aumento no controle; em contraste, não se encontraram diferenças significativas depois de finalizada a mobilização. Em pacientes com lesão medular completa não se observaram diferenças significativas em nenhuma das medições. Conclusões: Se demonstra a eficácia da mobilização articular para a diminuição da amplitude da onda H durante a manobra de mobilização em pacientes com lesão cerebral ou lesão medular incompleta, mas sem nenhum efeito residual depois de finalizada. A pesquisa não produziu evidência para a diminuição da amplitude em lesão medular completa. Sugere-se reformular as intervenções terapêuticas para diminuição do tom muscular baseadas na mobilização articular. Palavras chave: Manipulações musculoesqueléticas, terapia por exercício, tom muscular, espasticidade muscular.

Reacciones laberínticas de enderezamiento cervical y escoliosis en la parálisis cerebral / Labyrinthine righting reaction of head and scoliosis in cerebral palsy

Objetivos: Analizar la asociación entre desviaciones del raquis, reflejos vestibulocervicales, tono muscular y nivel de independencia en individuos con parálisis cerebral. Método: Se realizó un trabajo descriptivo de corte transversal en 24 individuos de 4 a 18 años del Centro de Educación Especial Purísima Concepción de Granada que presentaban parálisis cerebral. Se llevaron a cabo las correspondientes exploraciones físicas para valorar las reacciones laberínticas de enderezamiento cervical, desviaciones del raquis y distribución del tono muscular. El nivel de independencia motor se evaluó a través de la capacidad de sedestación y deambulación. Resultados: No se ha confirmado una asociación significativa entre las reacciones alteradas y la escoliosis. Sin embargo el 100 por ciento de los sujetos con déficit en dichas respuestas presentaban escoliosis o tendencia escoliótica y además no deambulaban mientras que, en los que aparecían de forma adecuada, mantenían la sedestación autónoma. Asimismo la totalidad de los individuos sin desviación del raquis mantenían la sedestación autónoma y la deambulación independiente o con ayudas técnicas. Conclusión: Las respuestas laberínticas de enderezamiento cervical alteradas van ligadas a desviaciones de columna o actitudes asimétricas del raquis. Del mismo modo el alineamiento vertebral óptimo se relaciona en nuestra población con altos niveles de independencia funcional.

Aim: To analyse the relationship between rachis deviations and labyrinthine righting reaction of head, muscle tone and independence level in individuals with cerebral palsy. Method: Descriptive and transverse study was carried out with 24 individuals aged 4 to 18 at the special education centre of Purísima Concepción in Granada that presented cerebral palsy. It was done appropriate physical explorations to value the righting reactions of head, rachis deviations and muscle tone distribution. Independence motor level was measured through sitting and gait. Results: There wasn’t any significant association between scoliosis and disordered reactions. However 100 percent individuals with deficit in these responses presented scoliosis or tendency and didn´t walk while individuals with correct reactions were supporting/keeping autonomous sitting. All of them without rachis deviation kept sitting and autonomous gait or with technical aids. Interpretation: Disordered labyrinthine righting reaction of head is linked to spine deviations or asymmetrical rachis attitudes, the optimum vertebral alignment is connected in our population with high levels of functional independence.