Functional classification systems in Brazilian children with cerebral palsy: Reliability and associations between functional levels.

Children with Cerebral palsy (CP) present movement and posture disorders. The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), Communication Function Classification System (CFCS), Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS), and Visual Function Classification System (VFCS) enhance the understanding of their performance. We verified inter-rater reliability and associations between the classification levels. Physical therapists classified 100 Brazilian children with CP (3-17 years) according to GMFCS, MACS, CFCS, EDACS, and VFCS. To evaluate inter-rater reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient-ICC) two independent examiners concurrently assessed a subset of 60 participants. According to Spearman's correlation coefficients, there were associations between GMFCS/MACS (r = 0.81), GMFCS/CFCS (r = 0.70), MACS/CFCS (r = 0.73), GMFCS/VFCS (r = 0.61), MACS/VFCS (r = 0.61), CFCS/EDACS (r = 0.58), CFCS/VFCS (r = 0.50), and EDACS/VFCS (r = 0.45) (p < .05). The inter-rater reliability ranged from excellent (ICC = 0.93-0.99) to good (ICC = 0.89), p < .05. The classification systems are reliable, and the levels associated with each other in Brazilian children, especially the GMFCS, MACS, and CFCS.

Agreement of synchronous remote and in-person application of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale: Cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Using standardized scales to assess motor development via telemedicine can increase access for low-income populations. Our aim was to verify the agreement and feasibility between remotely and synchronously applying the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) and the in-person format. METHODS: This was a concordance study, with 77 typical infants aged 4-18 months (mean = 13 months). The AIMS was applied remote via video calls and face-to-face. We applied a questionnaire to caregivers to verify feasibility. RESULTS: There was a high level of agreement between the remote and in-person assessments, with intraclass correlation coefficients above 0.98 and low standard error measure values (<1 item for each posture, <2 items for the total raw score, and =5% for the normative score). The smallest detectable change was between 1.67 and 2.45 for each posture, 3 for the total raw score, and 6% for the normative score. The Bland-Altman analysis showed low bias with the mean difference close to zero (<0.80) and low error with little dispersion of the difference points around the mean. Caregivers' perspectives on the synchronous remote assessment were positive, with good quality, clear information during the assessment, and comfort with the method. DISCUSSION: The synchronous remote application of the AIMS may be an alternative for families without access to in-person services that assess motor development.

Cerebral Palsy and Motor Impairment After Extreme Prematurity: Prediction of Diagnoses at Ages 2 and 10 Years.

OBJECTIVE: To identify perinatal factors in children born extremely preterm (EP) that were associated with motor impairment (MI) at 2 and 10 years of age and develop a predictive algorithm to estimate the risk of MI during childhood. STUDY DESIGN: Participants of the Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborns Study (ELGANS) were classified as: no MI, MI only at 2 years, MI only at 10 years, and MI at both 2 and 10 years, based on a standardized neurological examination at 2 and the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) at 10 years of age. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression was used to develop the final predictive model. RESULTS: Of the 849 study participants, 64 (7.5%) had a diagnosis of MI at both 2 and 10 years and 63 (7.4%) had a diagnosis of MI at 1 visit but not the other. Of 22 total risk factors queried, 4 variables most reliably and accurately predicted MI: gestational age, weight z-score growth trajectory during neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay, ventriculomegaly, and cerebral echolucency on head ultrasound. By selecting probability thresholds of 3.5% and 7.0% at ages 2 and 10, respectively, likelihood of developing MI can be predicted with a sensitivity and specificity of 71.2%/72.1% at age 2 and 70.7%/70.7% at age 10. CONCLUSION: In our cohort, the diagnosis of MI at 2 years did not always predict a diagnosis of MI at 10 years. Specific risk factors are predictive of MI and can estimate an individual infant's risk at NICU discharge of MI at age 10 years.

Efectividad de la Terapia Acuática en la Función Motora Gruesa en Población Infantojuvenil con Parálisis Cerebral. Una Revisión Narrativa / Effectiveness of Aquatic Therapy on Gross Motor Function in Children and Young People with Cerebral Palsy. A Narrative Review

Introducción. La parálisis cerebral (PC) es una de las principales causas de discapacidad en la población infantil, afectando diversas áreas del desarrollo como la función motora gruesa; equilibrio y marcha. Hay evidencia de los beneficios de la terapia acuática y de cómo puede complementar la rehabilitación. Objetivo. Describir la efectividad de las intervenciones acuáticas en personas con PC, determinar mejoras en la función motora gruesa uso de métodos, protocolos y dosificación. Métodos. Se analizaron 9 estudios aleatorizados controlados desde el 2012 a la fecha, seleccionados por un experto y cuyos sujetos tenían PC espástica, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) I a IV, entre los 2 y 20 años. Post intervención acuática se reportan mejoras significativas en el promedio de los ítems medidos por Gross motor function measure (GMFM). De los métodos que contribuyeron a mejoras se encuentra Halliwick y ejercicios acuáticos sin un programa específico. Resultados. Se obtuvieron mejoras de 35 a 100 minutos, y de 12 a 30 sesiones en total. No se logra concluir el tipo de terapia más efectiva, ya que las medidas de resultado y las características de los sujetos eran diversas. Conclusión. Una dosificación mínima de 2 veces por semana, 35 minutos de intervención en un total de 16 sesiones (9,3 horas en total) pareciera mejorar la función motora gruesa, cuyos resultados son transferibles a las actividades en tierra inmediatamente, sin embargo, no se obtiene información si se mantienen a mediano o largo plazo.

Background. Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the main causes of disability in the child population, affecting various areas of development such as gross motor function; balance and gait. There is evidence of the benefits of aquatic therapy and how it can complement rehabilitation. Objective. to describe the effectiveness of aquatic interventions in people with CP, to determine improvements in gross motor function using methods, protocols, and dosage. Methods. Nine randomized controlled studies were analyzed from 2012 to date, selected by an expert and whose subjects had spastic CP, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) I to IV, between 2 and 20 years of age. Results. After the aquatic intervention, significant improvements were reported in the average of the Gross motor function measure (GMFM) items measured. Of the methods that contributed to improvements, there is Halliwick and aquatic exercises without a specific program. Results. Improvements were obtained from 35 to 100 minutes, and from 12 to 30 sessions in total. It is not possible to conclude the most effective type of therapy, since the outcome measures and the characteristics of the subjects were diverse. Conclusion. A minimum dosage of 2 times per week, 35 minutes of intervention in a total of 16 sessions (9.3 hours in total) seems to improve gross motor function, the results of which are immediately transferable to activities on land, however, it is not obtains information if they are maintained in the medium or long term.

Positive impact of the Therasuit method on gross motor function of children with autism spectrum disorder: Case series.

The Therasuit method is a valuable physiotherapeutic method to improve the gross motor function of children with neuromotor disorders. This series of case studies investigates the effect of the Therasuit method on the gross motor function of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Therasuit method is a therapeutic intervention that involves the use of a therapeutic suit attached to a cage to stimulate gross motor skills, muscle strengthening, stretching, task training, and balance, which is a positive intervention for other neurodevelopmental disorders. The study was conducted with nine male children (42.1 + 4.1 months old) with ASD who received the Therasuit protocol for 4 weeks (20 sessions). The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) was used to assess the children's gross motor function before and after the Therasuit method intervention. In dimension B, several skills showed improvement, including transfer to sitting, lean forward and return, trunk rotation without support, and transfer from sitting to all four stances. In dimension C, an increase was observed in skills such as being prone to all four stance transfers and reaching above the shoulders. In dimension D, maximum scores were achieved in skills such as pulling to stand on a large bench without assistance. The dimensions with the greatest impairment were D and E, corresponding to gross motor skills in orthostasis and dynamic skills in orthostasis, respectively. The findings suggest that the Therasuit method is a promising resource for treating motor impairments in children with ASD. However, further studies with a larger sample size, an adequate control condition, and random assignment of participants would be needed to provide stronger evidence of the method's effectiveness in this population.

Measurement Properties and Translation to Brazilian-Portuguese of the Challenge for Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy.

Aims: Translate the Challenge assessment into Brazilian-Portuguese, determine its face validity, evaluate the reliability of the total score and score per item, investigate whether the child's gross motor level (classified by the Gross Motor Function Classification System-GMFCS) influences the reliability levels, and estimate responsiveness to change.Methods: The translation followed four stages: translation, synthesis, back-translation, and review. For face validity, ten physical therapists evaluated item relevance. Children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (n = 50, 5-18 years of age) GMFCS I and II were evaluated by two therapists for inter and intra-rater reliability. Thirty of these participants were recruited for the instrument's responsiveness evaluation and reassessed (n = 28) after three months of treatment. Minimal Detectable Change (MDC), and Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) were estimated.Results: The back-translated version was similar to the English version. All test items were considered relevant by the physical therapists. Total score intra and inter-rater reliability were excellent for both GMFCS levels (ICC = 0.94-0.99). Items' intra- and inter- rater reliability varied from low to almost perfect (kw=-0.14-0.94). MDC90 and MDC95 values were 3.90-6.35 and 4.63-7.54, respectively. MCID values were 3.57-4.56.Conclusion: The translated version of the Challenge showed excellent face validity and reliability and was able to document longitudinal change.

Variabilidad del ritmo cardiaco en menores de 18 años con parálisis cerebral y su relación con la motricidad gruesa: una revisión sistemática / Hear rate Variability in minors under 18 years with cerebral palsy and its relationship with gross motor function: a systematic Review

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the main cause of motor deficiency in the child and adolescent population. Its rehabilitation requires non-invasive, cost-effective and easy-to-use measurement systems. Heart rate variability (HRV) meets these requirements, but reference parameters are still lacking in children under 18 years of age with CP. The objective is to write the CRV in children under 18 years of age with CP and its relationship with gross motor skills according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMCFS). MATERIALS (OR PATIENTS) AND METHODS: Systematic review. We searched 11 databases and references from eligible studies that included observational, experimental, and quasi-experimental designs, populations younger than 18 years with CP, and classified with GMFCS. HRV was assessed at rest using time and frequency domain analysis. Risk of bias was assessed using Robins-I. RESULTS: 264 articles were identified. Seven met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 242 patients aged between 4 and 14 years. VRC reporting was done across time (SDNN and rMSSD) and/or frequency (HF, LF, HF, and LF/HF) domains. CONCLUSIONS: There is limited evidence on the analysis of the different domains of the CVR in children under 18 years of age with PC. Findings are conflicting regarding the relationship between VRC and GMFCS. A larger number of studies, larger sample sizes, and better control of confounding variables are still required to generate relationships and reference parameters according to GMFCS.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La Parálisis Cerebral (PC) es la principal causa de deficiencia motriz en la población infanto-juvenil. Su rehabilitación requiere de sistemas de medición no invasivos, costo-efectivos y de fácil aplicación. La variabilidad del ritmo cardiaco (VRC) cumple estos requisitos, pero aún faltan parámetros de referencia en menores de 18 años con PC. El objetivo es escribir la VRC en menores de 18 años con PC y su relación con la motricidad gruesa, según el Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMCFS). MATERIALES (O PACIENTES) Y MÉTODOS: Revisión sistemática. Se buscó en 11 bases de datos y referencias de estudios elegibles que incluyeron diseños observacionales, experimentales y cuasi-experimentales, población menor de 18 años con PC y clasificados con GMFCS. La VRC se evaluó en reposo utilizando análisis de dominio de tiempo y frecuencia. El riesgo de sesgo se evaluó con Robins-I. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 264 artículos. Siete cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión, con un total de 242 pacientes con edades entre 4 y 14 años. Los informes de VRC se realizaron a través de los dominios de tiempo (SDNN y rMSSD) y/o frecuencia (HF, LF, HF y LF/HF). CONCLUSIONES: Existe evidencia limitada sobre el análisis de los diferentes dominios de la VRC en menores de 18 años con CP. Los hallazgos son contradictorios con respecto a la relación entre VRC y GMFCS. Aún se requiere un mayor número de estudios, mayores tamaños muestrales y un mejor control de las variables de confusión para generar relaciones y parámetros de referencia según GMFCS.

Study protocol: functioning curves and trajectories for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy in Brazil - PartiCipa Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Gross motor development curves for children with Cerebral Palsy (CP), grouped by Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels, help health care professionals and parents to understand children's motor function prognosis. Although these curves are widely used in Brazil to guide clinical decision-making, they were developed with Canadian children with CP. Little is known about how these patterns evolve in children and adolescents with CP in low-income countries like Brazil. The PARTICIPA BRAZIL aims to: (i) to identify and draw a profile of functioning and disability of Brazilian children and adolescents with CP by classifying them, for descriptive purposes, with all five valid and reliable functional classifications systems (gross motor function, manual ability, communication function, visual and eating and drinking abilities); (ii) to create longitudinal trajectories capturing the mobility capacity of Brazilian children and adolescents with CP for each level of the GMFCS; (iii) to document longitudinal trajectories in the performance of activities and participation of Brazilian children and adolescents with CP across two functional classification systems: GMFCS and MACS (Manual Abilities Classification System); (iv) to document longitudinal trajectories of neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions and exercise tolerance functions of Brazilian children and adolescents with CP for each level of the GMFCS; and (v) to explore interrelationships among all ICF framework components and the five functional classification systems in Brazilian children and adolescents with CP. METHODS: We propose a multi-center, longitudinal, prospective cohort study with 750 Brazilian children and adolescents with CP from across the country. Participants will be classified according to five functional classification systems. Contextual factors, activity and participation, and body functions will be evaluated longitudinally and prospectively for four years. Nonlinear mixed-effects models for each of the five GMFCS and MACS levels will be created using test scores over time to create prognosis curves. To explore the interrelationships among ICF components, a multiple linear regression will be performed. DISCUSSION: The findings from this study will describe the level and nature of activities and levels of participation of children and youth with CP in Brazil. This will support evidence-based public policies to improve care to this population from childhood to adulthood, based on their prognosis.

Analysis of orthopedic surgical procedures in children with cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: Orthopedic surgery in children with cerebral palsy (CP) aims to improve function and prevent deformities. Each child's condition in CP is unique and many co-variables influence surgical decision-making including a patient's age and their functional level. Little is known about the frequency of different types of orthopedic surgery in children with CP who have varied functional levels, particularly in countries from Latin America. AIM: To assess the type of orthopedic surgical procedures in relation to age and gross motor function in children with CP. METHODS: This retrospective study included all children with CP (n = 245) treated with elective orthopedic surgery at a Uruguayan university hospital between October 2010 and May 2016 identified from a surgical database. Eighteen children (7%) were lost to follow-up due to missing medical charts. Demographics, gross motor function classification (GMFCS), and orthopedic surgeries were obtained from the medical records of 227 children. Chi-squared tests and analysis of variance were used to assess the frequency of surgery, accounting for GMFCS levels. Mean age for soft tissue vs bone surgery was compared with the independent samples t-test. RESULTS: A total of 711 surgical procedures were performed between 1998 and 2016. On average, children had 3.1 surgical procedures and the mean age at first surgery was 8.0 years. There were no significant differences in age at first surgery among GMFCS levels (P = 0.47). The most common procedures were lower leg soft tissue surgery (n = 189, 27%), hip tenotomy (n = 135, 19%), and hamstring tenotomy (n = 104, 14%). For children with GMFCS level I, the mean number of surgeries per child [1.8 (range 1-9)] differed significantly at P < 0.05 in children with GMFCS levels II [3.2 (1-12)], III [3.2 (1-8)], IV [3.3 (1-13)], and V [3.6 (1-11)]. Within II, III, IV, and V, there was no significant difference in mean number of surgeries per child when comparing across the groups. The proportion of soft tissue surgery vs bone surgery was higher in GMFCS levels I-III (80%-85%) compared to levels IV (68%) and V (55%) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The frequency of surgical procedures per child did not increase with higher GMFCS level after level I. However, the proportion of bone surgery was higher in GMFCS levels IV-V compared to I-III.

Efecto del traje terapéutico en la función motora gruesa de niños con parálisis cerebral / Effect of therapeutic suit on the gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy

Introducción: El traje terapéutico o Therasuit es una órtesis blanda que se usa durante el entrenamiento intensivo de patrones de movimiento en personas con afecciones neurológicas como la parálisis cerebral. Objetivo: Describir los cambios en la función motora gruesa en una población pediátrica con distintos tipos de parálisis cerebral, tratada con el traje terapéutico. Métodos: Estudio observacional longitudinal y retrospectivo donde se tomaron mediciones de la función motora gruesa antes y después de la aplicación del traje terapéutico a 56 niños que asistieron a un centro de neurorehabilitación en Cali, Colombia entre Junio de 2008 a Diciembre de 2014. Los niños se encontraban entre 3 -13 años de edad y en niveles I-V según la Clasificación de la Función Motora Gruesa. Se usó el test de Wicolxon para comparar las medianas de los puntajes de las mediciones con la Gross Motor Function Measure de 88 ítems. Resultados: Se observaron cambios positivos después de la aplicación del traje en los puntajes totales de la Gross Motor Function Measure (p= 0). Se hallaron diferencias positivas en todas las edades (dif. = 2 a 2,5 p<0,05), mayor en los niños de 11 a 13 años. Conclusiones: Los cambios observados después de aplicar el traje terapéutico a niños con parálisis cerebral sugieren que el entrenamiento motor con este enfoque terapéutico es efectivo para el logro de habilidades motoras gruesas. El cambio es más visible en niños severamente comprometidos y con espasticidad(AU)

Introduction: The therapeutic suit or Therasuit is a complementary therapy used in rehabilitation for intensive training of motor patterns in people with cerebral palsy. Objective: To describe the changes in the motor function in a pediatric population with different types of cerebral palsys. Methods: Observational, longitudinal and retrospective study in which the gross motor functions were measured before and after trying the therapeutic suit in 56 children admitted in the Center of Neurorehabilitation in Cali, Colombia from June 2008 to December 2014. The 56 participants had ages from 3 to 13 years, and levels from I to V according to the Classification of Gross Motor Function (GMFCS). Wicolxon test was used to compare the median scores of the 88-item Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66) scale scores applied to children before and after the treatment with the suit. Results: After the application of the suit in children with CP, the differences in the measurements of GMFM-88 were effective (p= 0). Stratification of the population studied by age registered positive differences (dif. = 2 a 2,5 p<0,05) in all ages and greater in children aged 11 to 13 years in the total scores. Conclusions: The positive changes observed after applying the therapeutic suit to children with cerebral paralysis suggest that motor training with this therapeutic approach is effective for the achievement of gross motor skills. The change is more evident in children with severe manifestations and spasticity(AU)

Validez de apariencia del Gross Motor Function Measure - 88 / Face validity of the Gross Motor Function Measure - 88

Introducción: El Gross Motor Function Measure, diseñado en 1990, es un test específico para la valoración de la función motora gruesa principalmente en niños con parálisis cerebral. Objetivo: Presentar la validez de apariencia del test en su versión 88, centrada en el componente transcultural. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, donde se envió la adaptación española, publicada en 2009, a tres expertos, para posteriormente, identificar el índice de aceptabilidad. Resultados: El índice de aceptación global es de 0,85 considerado como bueno, observándose un menor índice en la dimensión B y mayor en la D, con un acuerdo del 100% en 66,66% de los ítems a estudio. Conclusiones: Se presenta la validación transcultural del test con un buen índice de aceptabilidad para la práctica clínica.

Introduction: The Gross Motor Function Measure, designed in 1990, is a specific test for the assessment of gross motor function used mainly in children with cerebral palsy. The aim of this paper is to present the face validity of the test in its 88 version, focusing on cross-cultural component. Materials and methods: A descriptive study, where the Spanish adaptation published in 2009 was sent to three experts, to subsequently identify the acceptability index. Results: the overall acceptance rate of 0.85 is considered good, showing a lower rate on the dimension B and higher in D, with 100% agreement in 66.66% of the items studied. Conclusions: The cultural validation of the test is presented with a good index of acceptability for clinical practice.

Gross Motor Function Classification System Expanded & Revised (GMFCS E & R): reliability between therapists and parents in Brazil

BACKGROUND: Several studies have demonstrated the importance of using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) to classify gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy, but the reliability of the expanded and revised version has not been examined in Brazil (GMFCS E & R). OBJECTIVE:: To determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the Portuguese-Brazil version of the GMFCS E & R applied by therapists and compare to classification provided by parents of children with cerebral palsy. METHOD: Data were obtained from 90 children with cerebral palsy, aged 4 to 18 years old, attending the neurology or rehabilitation service of a Brazilian hospital. Therapists classified the children's motor function using the GMFCS E & R and parents used the Brazilian Portuguese version of the GMFCS Family Report Questionnaire. Intra- and inter-rater reliability was obtained through percentage agreement and Cohen's unweighted Kappa statistics (k). The Chi-square test was used to identify significant differences in the classification of parents and therapists. RESULTS: Almost perfect agreement was reached between the therapists [K=0.90 (95% confidence interval 0.83-0.97)] and intra-raters (therapists) with K=1.00 [95% confidence interval (1.00-1.00)], p<0.001. Agreement between therapists and parents was substantial (k=0.716, confidence interval 0.596-0.836), though parents classify gross motor impairment more severely than therapists (p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The Portuguese version of the GMFCS E & R is reliable for use by parents and therapists. Parents tend to classify their children's limitations more severely, because they know their performance in different environments. .

Clinical, biochemical, and neuroimaging findings predict long-term neurodevelopmental outcome in symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus infection.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical, biochemical, and neuroimaging findings as predictors of neurodevelopmental outcome in patients with symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV). STUDY DESIGN: The study cohort comprised 26 patients with symptomatic congenital CMV born between 1993 and 2009 in a single center. Absolute and weight deficit-adjusted head circumference were considered. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) investigations included standard cytochemical analysis, determination of beta2-microglobulin (ß2-m), neuron-specific enolase, and CMV DNA detection. Neuroimaging was classified according to a validated scoring system comprising calcifications, ventriculomegaly, and atrophy, with findings graded from 0 to 3. Systematic long-term neurodevelopmental assessment included motor function, cognition, behavior, hearing, vision, and epilepsy. Sequelae were graded as mild/absent, moderate, or severe; adverse outcome was defined as death or moderate to severe disability. RESULTS: Three children died. The mean age at follow-up of the survivors was 8.7 ± 5.3 years (range, 19 months to 18.0 years). Neonatal findings showing a significant association with adverse outcome were relative microcephaly, CSF ß2-m concentrations, and grade 2-3 neuroimaging abnormalities (P < .05). Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis indicated that the most accurate single factor for predicting unfavorable outcome was CSF ß2-m >7.9 mg/L (area under the curve, 0.84 ± 0.08; sensitivity, 69%; specificity, 100%). The combination of CSF ß2-m >7.9 mg/L and moderate-severe neuroimaging alterations improved predictive ability (area under the curve, 0.92 ± 0.06; sensitivity, 87%; specificity, 100%). CONCLUSION: Adjusted head circumference, CSF ß2-m level, and neuroimaging studies have prognostic significance for neurodevelopmental outcome in newborns with congenital CMV. A combination of early findings improves the predictive value.

Effectiveness of resistance training exercises in spastic diplegia cerebral palsy: a review

Cerebral Palsy presents itself in a clinical form of spastic diplegia, where neurological sequels are predominant in the lower limbs and substantially affects the capacity to walk. Traditional methods of physiotherapy intervention emphasize the techniques of neurological rehabilitation at the expense of progressive resistance exercises.The goal of the present research is to fulfill a bibliographic review concerning the period of 1985 to 2012 about studies that investigated the effect of resistance exercises applied to cerebral palsy children carrying spastics’ diplegia. The Scielo, MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Sports Discus, DARE, PsychInfo, ERIC, Ausport-Med, AMI, Cochrane and PEDro databases were used to conduct a literature search using keywords without restrictions. In this systematization, a search was conducted using the keywords: cerebral palsy, progressive resistance exercise, diplegia, gross motor function measure (GMFM). Literature have shown that the restrict capacity to generate force is as debilitating or more than it is the muscle spasticity, potentially causing more restriction to the movement than the spasticity itself. Children with normal motor development, as well as carrying spastic diplegia increase their capacity to generate strength when submitted to a resistive training, not only on lower limbs, but also on upper limbs. Furthermore, several studies have shown that diplegic cerebral palsy children improve their motor ability due to strength training, thought it still remains to be proved that strength training leads to a substantial change for the better allowing that there is ascension of category for functional capacity.

Classification of cerebral palsy: association between gender, age, motor type, topography and Gross Motor Function / Classificação da paralisia cerebral: associação entre gênero, idade, tipo motor, topografia e Função Motora Grossa

The goal of this study was to assess the relation between gender, age, motor type, topography and gross motor function, based on the Gross Motor Function System of children with cerebral palsy. Trunk control, postural changes and gait of one hundred children between 5 months and 12 years old, were evaluated. There were no significant differences between gender and age groups (p=0.887) or between gender and motor type (p=0.731). In relation to body topography most children (88 percent) were spastic quadriplegic. Most hemiplegics children were rated in motor level I, children with diplegia were rated in motor level III, and quadriplegic children were rated in motor level V. Functional classification is necessary to understand the differences in cerebral palsy and to have the best therapeutic planning since it is a complex disease which depends on several factors.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a relação entre gênero, idade, tipo motor, topografia e Função Motora Grossa, baseado no Sistema de Função Motora Grossa em crianças com paralisia cerebral. Participaram desta pesquisa 100 crianças com idade entre 5 meses a 12 anos que foram observadas em relação ao controle de tronco, trocas posturais e marcha. Não houve diferenças significativas entre gêneros e grupos etários (p=0,887) e entre gênero e tipo motor (p=0,731). Em relação à topografia corporal, houve predomínio de crianças com quadriplegia, sendo que a maioria (88 por cento) era do tipo espástico. Quanto ao nível motor, as crianças hemiplégicas pertenciam em sua maioria ao nível I, as diplégicas ao nível III e as quadriplégicas ao nível V. Sendo a paralisia cerebral uma condição complexa que depende de diversos fatores, beneficia-se de classificações funcionais para compreensão da diversidade e melhor planejamento terapêutico.

Estudo de transferência e locomoção em crianças de 4 a 6 anos com paralisia diparética espástica nível motor III / Study about transfer and locomotion in 4 to 6 years-old children with motor level III spastic diplegig cerebral palsy

Este estudo objetivou traçar o perfil funcional de crianças com paralisia cerebral diparética espástica nível motor III, quanto ao desempenho de atividades de mobilidade – transferência e locomoção –, a fim de direcionar estratégias terapêuticas de avaliação e de intervenção nesta população. O estudo teve a participação de oito crianças que frequentavam o Setor de Fisioterapia Infantil da Associação de Assistência à Criança Deficiente (AACD). As crianças foram avaliadas pelo teste funcional PEDI, sendo utilizada apenas a escala de mobilidade das três partes que o compõem, que teve como referencial de comparação o GMFM. Os resultados demonstraram maior dificuldade dessas crianças nas atividades de locomoção, comparadas com as de transferência. Há necessidade de adequar a assistência do cuidador e as modificações do ambiente para promover maior independência e funcionalidade às crianças.(AU)

Establishing the functional profile of children with motor level III spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, regarding the performance of mobility activities – transfer and locomotion – in order to direct therapeutic strategies for evaluating and intervening in this population was the goal of this study. Eight children who attended the Children’s Physical Therapy Department of the Associação de Assistência à Criança Deficiente (AACD) took part in this study. These children were evaluated by the functional test PEDI – only the mobility scale of the three parts that compose the test was used, and had the GMFM as a comparison reference. The results have showed that children have greater difficulty in locomotion compared to transfer. There is the need to adequate caretaker assistance and to adapt the environment to promote higher independency and functionality to the children.(AU)

Estudo de transferência e locomoção em crianças de 4 a 6 anos com paralisia diparética espástica nível motor III / Study about transfer and locomotion in 4 to 6 years-old children with motor level III spastic diplegig cerebral palsy

Este estudo objetivou traçar o perfil funcional de crianças com paralisia cerebral diparética espástica nível motor III, quanto ao desempenho de atividades de mobilidade – transferência e locomoção –, a fim de direcionar estratégias terapêuticas de avaliação e de intervenção nesta população. O estudo teve a participação de oito crianças que frequentavam o Setor de Fisioterapia Infantil da Associação de Assistência à Criança Deficiente (AACD). As crianças foram avaliadas pelo teste funcional PEDI, sendo utilizada apenas a escala de mobilidade das três partes que o compõem, que teve como referencial de comparação o GMFM. Os resultados demonstraram maior dificuldade dessas crianças nas atividades de locomoção, comparadas com as de transferência. Há necessidade de adequar a assistência do cuidador e as modificações do ambiente para promover maior independência e funcionalidade às crianças.

Establishing the functional profile of children with motor level III spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, regarding the performance of mobility activities – transfer and locomotion – in order to direct therapeutic strategies for evaluating and intervening in this population was the goal of this study. Eight children who attended the Children’s Physical Therapy Department of the Associação de Assistência à Criança Deficiente (AACD) took part in this study. These children were evaluated by the functional test PEDI – only the mobility scale of the three parts that compose the test was used, and had the GMFM as a comparison reference. The results have showed that children have greater difficulty in locomotion compared to transfer. There is the need to adequate caretaker assistance and to adapt the environment to promote higher independency and functionality to the children.