Immediate Effect of a Single Session of Whole Body Vibration on Spasticity in Children With Cerebral Palsy

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the immediate effect of a single session of whole body vibration (WBV) on lower extremity spasticity in children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: Seventeen children with spastic CP were included. A single session of WBV was administered: 10-minute WBV, 1-minute rest, and 10-minute WBV. The effects of WBV were clinically assessed with the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS) before and immediately, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, and 4 hours after WBV. RESULTS: Spasticity of the ankle plantarflexor, as assessed by MAS and MTS scores, was reduced after WBV. Post-hoc analysis demonstrated that, compared to baseline, the MAS significantly improved for a period of 1 hour after WBV, and the R1 and R2–R1 of the MTS significantly improved for a period of 2 hours after WBV. CONCLUSION: A single session of WBV improves spasticity of ankle plantarflexors for 1–2 hours in children with CP. Future studies are needed to test whether WBV is an effective preparation before physiotherapy and occupational therapy.

Characteristics of Myofascial Pain Syndrome of the Infraspinatus Muscle

OBJECTIVE: To report the characteristics of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the infraspinatus muscle and evaluate the therapeutic effect of trigger-point injections. METHODS: Medical records of 297 patients (221 women; age, 53.9±11.3 years) with MTrPs in the infraspinatus muscle were reviewed retrospectively. Because there were 83 patients with MTrPs in both infraspinatus muscles, the characteristics of total 380 infraspinatus muscles with MTrPs (214 one side, 83 both sides) were investigated. Specific characteristics collected included chief complaint area, referred pain pattern, the number of local twitch responses, and distribution of MTrPs in the muscle. For statistical analysis, the paired t-test was used to compare a visual analogue scale (VAS) before and 2 weeks after the first injection. RESULTS: The most common chief complaint area of MTrPs in the infraspinatus muscle was the scapular area. The most common pattern of referred pain was the anterolateral aspect of the arm (above the elbow). Active MTrPs were multiple rather than single in the infraspinatus muscle. MTrPs were frequently in the center of the muscle. Trigger-point injection of the infraspinatus muscle significantly decreased the pain intensity. Mean VAS score decreased significantly after the first injection compared to the baseline (7.11 vs. 3.74; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Characteristics of MTrPs and the therapeutic effects of trigger-point injections of the infraspinatus muscle were assessed. These findings could provide clinicians with useful information in diagnosing and treating myofascial pain syndrome of the infraspinatus muscle.

Cerebral Palsy due to Intracranial Hemorrhage Caused by Consumptive Coagulopathy in Protein C Deficiency: A Case Report / 대한소아신경학회지

Protein C (PROC) is a potent anticoagulant inactivating coagulation factors Va and VIIIa. PROC deficiency is very rare condition inherited as an autosomal dominant or recessive trait, and associated with various thromboembolic and ischemic conditions. Moreover, severe form of PROC deficiency can cause fatal hemorrhagic complications due to consumptive coagulopathy. We reported two children with hemorrhagic stroke who were diagnosed as severe PROC deficiency caused by two different types of compound heterozygous PROC gene mutations. We described results of laboratory tests, genetic analysis, brain magnetic resonance images, and functional outcomes. Both children received prophylactic anticoagulation therapy and presented with purple-colored skin lesions during rehabilitation. Purpura fulminans caused by insufficient anticoagulation should be differentiated from hematoma caused by excessive anticoagulation therapy in these children.

Cerebral Palsy due to Intracranial Hemorrhage Caused by Consumptive Coagulopathy in Protein C Deficiency: A Case Report / 대한소아신경학회지

Protein C (PROC) is a potent anticoagulant inactivating coagulation factors Va and VIIIa. PROC deficiency is very rare condition inherited as an autosomal dominant or recessive trait, and associated with various thromboembolic and ischemic conditions. Moreover, severe form of PROC deficiency can cause fatal hemorrhagic complications due to consumptive coagulopathy. We reported two children with hemorrhagic stroke who were diagnosed as severe PROC deficiency caused by two different types of compound heterozygous PROC gene mutations. We described results of laboratory tests, genetic analysis, brain magnetic resonance images, and functional outcomes. Both children received prophylactic anticoagulation therapy and presented with purple-colored skin lesions during rehabilitation. Purpura fulminans caused by insufficient anticoagulation should be differentiated from hematoma caused by excessive anticoagulation therapy in these children.

Correction: Immediate Effect of a Single Session of Whole Body Vibration on Spasticity in Children With Cerebral Palsy

The authors noticed that the original version of the paper contains typographical errors in Figs. 2 and 3.