Correlation between scapular alignment and upper extremity function in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between scapular alignment and upper extremity function. METHODS: Eighty-five children (63 boys and 22 girls) with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy aged 3 to 6 years were included in the study. Scapular upward rotation was assessed using Postural Zone software, and upper extremity function was assessed using the Pediatric Arm Function Test. RESULTS: There was a significant difference (p = .0001) in the degree of upward scapular rotation between less affected and affected sides (-41.78 ± 4.87 and -26.42 ± 6.34, respectively). There was a significant difference (p = .0001) between the function of the upper extremity of the affected side and the less affected sides (48.15 ± 14.37, 62.1 ± 6.62, respectively). Pearson Correlation Coefficient (r) was calculated, and there was a strong negative significant correlation between the degree of scapular upward rotation of the affected side, a unilateral score of the affected side, and the total score of the Pediatric Arm Function Test (r = -0.976, p = .0001 and r = -0.973, p = .0001, respectively). The correlation between symmetry index and total score of the Pediatric Arm Function Test was a strong positive significant correlation (r = 0.946, p = .0001). CONCLUSION: The degree of upward scapular rotation was less on the affected side. Scapular alignment and symmetry may contribute to upper extremity function in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Clinically, correction of scapular deviations may be considered in the rehabilitation program for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. This study suggests further experimental studies to find the cause and effect.

Weight distribution asymmetry in relation to walking speed in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

Background: Gait speed and postural stability are indicators of community level ambulation and may be a valuable measure of disability. Objectives: to investigate the relation between the distribution of weight on both lower extremities and gait speed in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Methods: Evaluation for weight distribution on both lower limbs and speed during gait for sixty children with spastic diplegia and forty-five children with hemiplegia was carried out by the Biodex gait trainer. Pearson correlation test was conducted to determine the relation of the symmetry index and the percent of weight bearing to speed. Results: A significant weak positive correlation was found between speed and symmetry index in diplegic group, while there was a non-significant weak negative correlation between speed and symmetry index was noticed in hemiplegic group. Nonsignificant weak positive correlation between speed and weight on most affected side was recorded in diplegic group. While in hemiplegic group, there was significant weak negative correlation between weight on affected side and speed. Conclusion: Children with cerebral palsy demonstrate asymmetrical weight distribution during walking. Physical therapy training should be directed to enhance weight bearing distribution thus improving gait and postural stability.

Systematic review of the effectiveness of Kinesio taping for children with brachial plexus injury.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the effectiveness of Kinesio taping on upper limb motor function in children with brachial plexus injury. DATA SOURCES: Articles were identified through searches of the following databases: OVID, Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane library. METHODS: Studies were excluded if they were nonpeer-reviewed publications, opinion articles, or not reported in English. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies. RESULTS: Five studies met our inclusion criteria. Two studies were included in the meta-analysis. A significant change was limited only to scapulothoracic internal rotation in three positions. CONCLUSIONS: Adding Kinesio taping to the physical therapy programme to manage children with brachial plexus injury is still questionable and may help functional improvement. However, this improvement may be limited depending on the technique or mode of application.