Motor improvement in children with PMM2-CDG syndrome following a six-month rehabilitation treatment utilising whole-body vibration; a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a six-month interval rehabilitation treatment on motor function of children with PMM2-CDG syndrome (#212065 Congenital disorder of glycosylation, Type Ia; CDG1A, OMIM catalogue number). METHODS: The concept 'Auf die Beine' (Center for Prevention and Rehabilitation of the University of Cologne, Germany) combines two short inpatient stays (1 to 2 weeks) with a six-month whole-body vibration (WBV) home-training program. 13 patients with PMM2-CDG syndrome participated in this concept from 2006 until 2015. Assessments at start, six months and 12 months (follow-up): Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66), One-Minute Walk Test (1MWT) and instrumented gait analyses. RESULTS: The GMFM-66 (9 of 13 children) improved by 5.3 (mean) points (SD 3.2) at 12 months (p=0.0039). The 1MWT (6 of 13 children) improved by 19.17 meter (SD 16.51) after 12 months (p=0.0313). Gait analysis (9 of 13 children) measured by pathlength/distance ratio improved by -0.8 (SD 1.9) at 12 months (p=0.0195). CONCLUSION: Patients with PMM2-CDG syndrome benefit from the interval rehabilitation program 'Auf die Beine' including WBV.

Jumping Mechanography: Reference Centiles in Childhood and Introduction of the Nerve-Muscle Index to Quantify Motor Efficiency.

Jumping mechanography provides robust motor function indicators among children. The study aim was to develop centiles for the single 2-leg jump (S2LJ) in German children and adolescents and to identify differences in children with obesity. Data were collected in 2004-2021 through the German DOrtmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed (DONALD) study. All participants (6-18 years, mean age 11.4) performed annually an S2LJ aiming for maximum height on a Ground Reaction Force Platform. LMS (lambda-mu-sigma), including resampling, was used to develop centiles for velocity (vmax), jump height (hmax), relative force (Fmax/BW), relative power (Pmax/mass), impulse asymmetry and a new parameter to describe jump efficiency, the Nerve-Muscle Index (NMI), defined as vmax/(Fmax/BW). Data from 882 children and adolescents were analyzed (3062 measurements, median 3 per individual). In females, Fmax/BW values were higher in younger age but remained constant in adolescence. vmax, hmax and Pmax/mass increased in childhood, reaching a plateau in adolescence. In males, vmax, hmax and Pmax/mass showed a constant increase and the Fmax/BW remained lower. Children with obesity showed lower Fmax/BW, hmax, vmax and the NMI, hence, lower velocity per relative force unit and less efficient jump. The centiles should be used to monitor motor development in childhood. The NMI is a surrogate for motor efficiency.

Dental hygienists and dentists as providers of brush biopsies for oral mucosa screening.

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer is a severe and potentially fatal disease usually starting in the squamous epithelium lining the oral cavity. Together with oropharyngeal carcinoma, it is the fifth to sixth most common malignancy worldwide. To limit the increase in the global oral cancer incidence over the past two decades, the World Health Assembly adopted a resolution urging member states to integrate preventive measures such as engagement and training of dental personnel in screening, early diagnosis, and treatment into their national cancer control programs. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate if dental hygienists (DHs) and dentists (Ds) in general dental practice care can be entrusted to perform brush sampling of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), and to evaluate their level of comfort in performing brush biopsies. METHODS: Participants were five DHs and five Ds who received one day of theoretical and clinical training in oral pathology to identify OPMDs (leukoplakia [LP], erythroplakia [EP], and oral lichen planus [OLP]), and perform brush sampling for PAP cytology and high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) analysis. RESULTS: Out of 222 collected samples, 215 were adequate for morphological assessment and hrHPV analysis. All the participants agreed that sample collection can be incorporated in DHs and Ds routine clinical duties, and most of them reported that sample collection and processing was easy/quite easy. CONCLUSION: Dentists and DHs are capable of collecting satisfactory material for cytology and hrHPV analysis. All the participating DHs and Ds were of the opinion that brush sampling could be handled routinely by DHs and Ds in GDP.

Predicting Gross Motor Function in Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy Applying Artificial Intelligence Using Data on Assistive Devices.

Data obtained from routine clinical care find increasing use in a scientific context. Many routine databases, e.g., from health insurance providers, include records of medical devices and therapies, but not on motor function, such as the frequently used Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM-66) score for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). However, motor function is the most common outcome of therapeutic efforts. In order to increase the usability of available records, the aim of this study was to predict the GMFM-66 score from the medical devices used by a patient with CP. For this purpose, we developed the Medical Device Score Calculator (MDSC) based on the analysis of a population of 1581 children and adolescents with CP. Several machine learning algorithms were compared for predicting the GMFM-66 score. The random forest algorithm proved to be the most accurate with a concordance correlation coefficient (Lin) of 0.75 (0.71; 0.78) with a mean absolute error of 7.74 (7.15; 8.33) and a root mean square error of 10.1 (9.51; 10.8). Our findings suggest that the MDSC is appropriate for estimating the GMFM-66 score in sufficiently large patient groups for scientific purposes, such as comparison or efficacy of different therapies. The MDSC is not suitable for the individual assessment of a child or adolescent with CP.

Vibration assisted rehabilitation in patients with Pompe disease: A case series.

The results of three cases with infantile-onset Pompe disease participating in a rehabilitation program with home-based vibration training will be presented. In this retrospective observational case study, the cases participated in the neuromuscular training program "Auf die Beine", which combines two blocks of intensive, goal directed training with 6 months of home-based whole body vibration (WBV). Assessments by the means of a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and grip strength were applied at multiple points throughout the program. Two cases showed an increase in lean mass index of +0.319 kg/m2, +0.721 kg/m2 and bone mineral content of +0.028 kg/m2, +0.031 kg/m2 over one year. Additionally physiotherapeutic therapy goals could be achieved. In the remaining child lean mass index did not change, bone mineral content decreased by -0.03 kg. The neuromuscular rehabilitation program "Auf die Beine" has shown to be safe and effective in two of three cases for muscle and bone mass gain as well as in achievement of physiotherapeutic goals. To summarize, WBV is an innovative therapy in a rehabilitation concept, which might be helpful in Pompe disease, but further studies with larger cohorts are needed.

The Potential of Sequential Fermentations in Converting C1 Substrates to Higher-Value Products.

Today production of (bulk) chemicals and fuels almost exclusively relies on petroleum-based sources, which are connected to greenhouse gas release, fueling climate change. This increases the urgence to develop alternative bio-based technologies and processes. Gaseous and liquid C1 compounds are available at low cost and often occur as waste streams. Acetogenic bacteria can directly use C1 compounds like CO, CO2, formate or methanol anaerobically, converting them into acetate and ethanol for higher-value biotechnological products. However, these microorganisms possess strict energetic limitations, which in turn pose limitations to their potential for biotechnological applications. Moreover, efficient genetic tools for strain improvement are often missing. However, focusing on the metabolic abilities acetogens provide, they can prodigiously ease these technological disadvantages. Producing acetate and ethanol from C1 compounds can fuel via bio-based intermediates conversion into more energy-demanding, higher-value products, by deploying aerobic organisms that are able to grow with acetate/ethanol as carbon and energy source. Promising new approaches have become available combining these two fermentation steps in sequential approaches, either as separate fermentations or as integrated two-stage fermentation processes. This review aims at introducing, comparing, and evaluating the published approaches of sequential C1 fermentations, delivering a list of promising organisms for the individual fermentation steps and giving an overview of the existing broad spectrum of products based on acetate and ethanol. Understanding of these pioneering approaches allows collecting ideas for new products and may open avenues toward making full use of the technological potential of these concepts for establishment of a sustainable biotechnology.

Artificial intelligence to improve efficiency of administration of gross motor function assessment in children with cerebral palsy.

AIM: To create a reduced version of the 66-item Gross Motor Function Measure (rGMFM-66) using innovative artificial intelligence methods to improve efficiency of administration of the GMFM-66. METHOD: This study was undertaken using information from an existing data set of children with cerebral palsy participating in a rehabilitation programme. Different self-learning approaches (random forest, support vector machine [SVM], and artificial neural network) were evaluated to estimate the GMFM-66 score with the fewest possible test items. Test agreements were evaluated (among other statistics) by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). RESULTS: Overall, 1217 GMFM-66 assessments (509 females, mean age 8y 10mo [SD 3y 9mo]) at a single time and 187 GMFM-66 assessments and reassessments (80 females, mean age 8y 5mo [SD 3y 10mo]) after 1 year were evaluated. The model with SVM predicted the GMFM-66 scores most accurately. The ICCs of the rGMFM-66 and the full GMFM-66 were 0.997 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.996-0.997) at a single time and 0.993 (95% CI 0.993-0.995) for the evaluation of the change over time. INTERPRETATION: The study shows that the efficiency of the full GMFM-66 assessment can be increased by using machine learning (self-learning algorithms). The presented rGMFM-66 score showed an excellent agreement with the full GMFM-66 score when applied to a single assessment and when evaluating the change over time.

Reporting Guidelines for Whole-Body Vibration Studies in Humans, Animals and Cell Cultures: A Consensus Statement from an International Group of Experts.

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is an exercise modality or treatment/prophylaxis method in which subjects (humans, animals, or cells) are exposed to mechanical vibrations through a vibrating platform or device. The vibrations are defined by their direction, frequency, magnitude, duration, and the number of daily bouts. Subjects can be exposed while performing exercises, hold postures, sitting, or lying down. Worldwide, WBV has attracted significant attention, and the number of studies is rising. To interpret, compare, and aggregate studies, the correct, complete, and consistent reporting of WBV-specific data (WBV parameters) is critical. Specific reporting guidelines aid in accomplishing this goal. There was a need to expand existing guidelines because of continuous developments in the field of WBV research, including but not limited to new outcome measures regarding brain function and cognition, modified designs of WBV platforms and attachments (e.g., mounting a chair on a platform), and comparisons of animal and cell culture studies with human studies. Based on Delphi studies among experts and using EQUATOR recommendations, we have developed extended reporting guidelines with checklists for human and animal/cell culture research, including information on devices, vibrations, administration, general protocol, and subjects. In addition, we provide explanations and examples of how to report. These new reporting guidelines are specific to WBV variables and do not target research designs in general. Researchers are encouraged to use the new WBV guidelines in addition to general design-specific guidelines.

Association of muscle mass and fat mass on low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride plasma concentration in children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: Obesity has often been associated with high low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride plasma concentrations, known risk factors for diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Study objective was to evaluate the association of LDL-C and triglyceride plasma concentration with muscle and fat mass in children and adolescents. METHODS: We analyzed data of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2004) to estimate lean muscle and fat mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of participants whose lipid profiles had been examined. Fat mass was operationalized by DXA-determined fat mass index (FMI). Muscle mass was assessed by appendicular lean mass index (aLMI). High LDL-C and triglyceride concentration was defined as above 130 mg/dL. RESULTS: For the evaluation of the association of LDL-C and triglyceride plasma concentration with LMI and FMI Z-scores, the data of 2,487 children and adolescents (age 8-19 years) (984 females) were eligible. High aLMI showed no association with LDL-C or triglyceride concentration, but high FMI showed significant association with LDL-C and triglyceride plasma concentration in the bivariate regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated muscle mass increase may not be protective against high LDL-C and triglycerides plasma levels in children and adolescents. Thus, exercise may lead to risk factor reduction mainly through fat mass reduction.

Building Capacity of Health Professionals in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Through Online Continuing Professional Development in Nutrition.

ABSTRACT: Continuing professional development (CPD) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) can build capacity of health professionals in infant and young child feeding (IYCF). However, travel to in-person workshops can be time-consuming and expensive. Thus, we developed a free online course to provide training in IYCF to health professionals globally; the course received overwhelmingly high numbers of registrations. Our aim was to conduct a program evaluation to assess course satisfaction, learning, and application using surveys administered postcourse and 9 months later. Response rates were 99% (n = 835) and 55% (n = 312), respectively. Among those who only partially completed the course, reasons for noncompletion were assessed (response rate 29%, n = 72). Data within a 1-year period were analyzed. Respondents worked in multiple settings and organizations worldwide. Nearly all (99%) reported postcourse that they learned "a lot" or "some" from all topics, and over 70% applied "a lot" of or "some" information 9 months later. In open-ended questions, respondents reported improved knowledge, skills, and competence to conduct their work; they also desired more similar training courses. Many who did not complete the course reported "not enough time" as the main reason (74%), and most (94%) wanted to continue it. The positive response to the course suggests there is an unmet need for CPD for health professionals in LMICs. Our evaluation found that online training was feasible, acceptable, and increased professionals' knowledge and application of IYCF concepts in nutrition programming. Increased use of online CPD offers the potential for global capacity-building in other health-related topics.

Brush Samples of Oral Lesions to FTA Elute Card for High-risk Human Papilloma Virus Diagnosis.

AIM: To investigate the level of agreement between three non-invasive methods for hrHPV diagnosis in oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC, OPSCC) and in oral mucosal lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For hrHPV DNA FTA Elute card™ and Anyplex II HPV28™ were used and for hrHPV mRNA PreTect SEE™ in tumour patients (n=60), non-tumour lesions (n=51), immunosuppression or previous hrHPV-infection (n=32). RESULTS: The level of agreement between the DNA-methods was 82.2% (k=0.54, p=0.001). Pair-wise comparison for the FTA Elute card were close to the reference (AUC=0.83, 95% CI=0.73-0.90). hrHPV mRNA was diagnosed in 50% of the tumours, with an agreement level of 58.3%, compared to Anyplex II (k=0.17, p=0.04). The hrHPV positivity in oral lesions was 3.9% for immunosuppression and for previous HPV infection 9.4%. CONCLUSION: The FTA card is reliable for hrHPV DNA diagnosis while mRNA gives an insight into viral activity and correlates with severity of the lesion.

Reference Centiles to Monitor the 6-minute-walk Test in Ambulant Children with Cerebral Palsy and Identification of Effects after Rehabilitation Utilizing Whole-body Vibration.

Background: Children with cerebral palsy present age-driven development in gross motor skills and walking capacity. Aims: To precisely monitor the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in children with CP, GMFCS levels 1 and 2 over 6 months and to assess the effect of a 6-month rehabilitation program including whole-body vibration. Methods: Retrospective analysis of data of 157 children with CP who received standardized rehabilitation (DRKS00011331). 6MWT was assessed at the start (M0) and end of the training (M6), as well as at a 6-month follow-up (M12). Centiles were created using the lambda-mu-sigma (LMS) method. Results: We created 6MWT percentiles using data of all 157 children (M0 data). A medium treatment effect size (Cohen's d = 0.69) was found (M6 and M12 data). Conclusions: The generated centiles may help monitor 6MWT changes over 6 months. Combining WBV and conventional physiotherapy can significantly improve 6MWT in children with CP. Abbreviations: 6MWT: 6-Minute Walk Test; CP: Cerebral palsy; ES: effect size; GMFCS: Gross Motor Function Classification System; GMFM-66: Gross Motor Function Measure 66; LOESS: locally weighted scatterplot smoothing; LMS: lambda-mu-sigma; MCID: minimal clinical important difference; SD: standard deviation; SRM: standardized response mean; WBV: whole-body vibration.

Effect of Long-Term Repeated Interval Rehabilitation on the Gross Motor Function Measure in Children with Cerebral Palsy.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of interventions for cerebral palsy (CP) has been frequently investigated with inconclusive results and motor function measured by the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66) is common. OBJECTIVE: In this observational analysis, we quantify the GMFM-66 change scores of the second and third year of a multimodal rehabilitation program (interval rehabilitation including home-based, vibration-assisted training) in children with CP. METHODS: The study was a retrospective analysis of children with CP (2-13 years) participating for a second (n = 262) and third year (n = 86) in the rehabilitation program with GMFM-66 scores at start (M0), after 4 months (M4) of intensive training, and after 8 months of follow-up (M12). A method was previously developed to differentiate between possible treatment effects and expected development under standard of care for GMFM-66 scores using Cohen's d effect size (ES; size of difference). RESULTS: After the treatment phase of 4 months (M4) in the second year, 125 of 262 children were responder (ES ≥ 0.2) and 137 children nonresponder (ES < 0.2); mean ES for nonresponder was -0.212 (trivial) and for responder 0.836 (large). After M4 in the third year, 43 children of 86 were responder (ES = 0.881 [large]) and 43 nonresponder (ES = -0.124 [trivial]). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Repeated rehabilitation shows a large additional treatment effect to standard of care in 50% of children which is likely due to the intervention, because in the follow-up period (standard of care), no additional treatment effect was observed and the children followed their expected development.

Training Needs of Nutrition Educators Engaged in Policy, Systems, and Environmental Approaches.

OBJECTIVE: Assess training needs of nutrition educators incorporating policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) approaches into their obesity prevention efforts, to identify content for online training. METHODS: Conducted a national, online survey of state and local Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education professionals engaged in PSE efforts. RESULTS: Respondents (n = 601) rated the importance of 24 training topics related to planning, implementing, and evaluating PSE approaches. Most (21) topics were rated very important or essential, confirming the need for a comprehensive approach. Paired-sample t tests found significant differences (P <0.001) in some training needs between local and state staff (eg, training in evaluation rated higher for state staff). Training needs did not differ by program, region, or length of employment. The top 5 settings for PSE efforts were schools, farmers' markets, food banks/pantries, community gardens, and after-school programs. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Results informed the development of an online training for program implementers. Future research will be needed to assess and refine training needs further, which will evolve as nutrition educators gain more experience in PSE approaches.

Towards reporting guidelines of research using whole-body vibration as training or treatment regimen in human subjects-A Delphi consensus study.

BACKGROUND: Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a method utilizing vibrating platforms to expose individuals to mechanical vibration. In its various applications, it has been linked to improved muscular, skeletal, metabolic, or cognitive functioning, quality of life, and physiological parameters such as blood pressure. Most evidence concerning WBV is inconclusive and meta-analytical reviews may not readily produce insights since the research has a risk of misunderstandings of vibration parameters and incomplete reporting occurs. This study aims at laying an empirical foundation for reporting guidelines for human WBV studies to improve the quality of reporting and the currently limited comparability between studies. METHOD: The Delphi methodology is employed to exploit the integrated knowledge of WBV experts to distil the specific aspects of WBV methodology that should be included in such guidelines. Over three rounds of completing online questionnaires, the expert panel (round 1/2/3: 51/40/37 experts respectively from 17 countries with an average of 19.4 years of WBV research experience) rated candidate items. RESULTS: A 40-item list was established based on the ratings of the individual items from the expert panel with a large final consensus (94.6%). CONCLUSION: The final consensus indicates comprehensiveness and valuableness of the list. The results are in line with previous guidelines but expand these extensively. The present results may therefore serve as a foundation for updated guidelines for reporting human WBV studies in order to improve the quality of reporting of WBV studies, improve comparability of studies and facilitate the development of WBV study designs.

Effect of an interval rehabilitation program with home-based, vibration-assisted training on the development of muscle and bone in children with cerebral palsy - an observational study.

Objectives In children with cerebral palsy (CP), the most common cause of physical impairment in childhood, less muscle and bone growth has been reported, when compared with typically developing children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an intensive rehabilitation program including physiotherapy in combination with 6 months of home-based, vibration-assisted training on muscle and bone growth in children with CP. Methods We included children with CP, who participated in a rehabilitation program utilizing whole-body vibration (WBV). Muscle mass was quantified by appendicular lean mass index (App-LMI) and bone mass by total-body-less-head bone mineral content (TBLH-BMC) assessed by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at the beginning of rehabilitation and one year later. To assess the functional muscle-bone unit, the relation of TBLH-BMC to TBLH lean body mass (TBLH-LBM) was used. Results The study population included 128 children (52 females, mean age 11.9 ± 2.7). App-LMI assessed in kg/m2 increased significantly after rehabilitation. The age-adjusted Z-score for App-LMI showed no significant change. TBLH-BMC assessed in gram increased significantly. The Z-scores for TBLH-BMC decreased lesser than expected by the evaluation of the cross-sectional data at the beginning of rehabilitation. The parameter T B L H - B M C T B L H - L B M $\frac{TBLH-BMC}{TBLH-LBM}$ did not change relevantly after 12 months. Conclusions Muscle growth and to a lesser extent bone growth could be increased in children with CP. The intensive rehabilitation program including WBV seemed to have no direct effect on the bone, but the observed anabolic effect on the bone, may only been mediated through the muscle.

Reference Centiles for the Evaluation of Nutritional Status in Children using Body Fat Percentage, Fat Mass and Lean Body Mass Index.

BACKGROUND: Body fat percentage (BF%), fat mass index (FMI), and lean body mass index (LBMI) are often used to evaluate the nutritional status of children. Until now, no pediatric FMI reference centiles are applicable for GE Healthcare Lunar DXA systems. The aim of the study was to generate age-specific BF%, FMI, and LBMI references centiles for GE Healthcare Lunar DXA systems. METHODOLOGY: Published values from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004 (age 8-20 years) were used to generate the reference centiles for the non-Hispanic black, non-Hispanic white, and Mexican American NHANES population. The LMS and LMSP methods were used to generate the reference centiles. RESULTS: Data of 2433 non-Hispanic black children (972 females), 2026 non-Hispanic white children (873 females), and 2547 Mexican American children (1010 females) were eligible. CONCLUSIONS: We presented age-specific reference centiles for BF%, FMI, and LBMI for children and adolescents which were ethnicity specific (non-Hispanic black, non-Hispanic white, and Mexican American) and directly applicable to Prodigy and iDXA GE Healthcare Lunar systems with software version 14.0. We proposed the use of BF%, FMI, and LBMI together to evaluate nutritional status in children.

One-Minute Walk Test in Children with Cerebral Palsy GMFCS Level 1 and 2: Reference Values to Identify Therapeutic Effects after Rehabilitation.

Background: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) show age-driven development and individual fluctuations in walking capacity.Aim: 1. To precisely quantify 1MWT changes in children with CP, GMFCS level 1 and 2, generating 1MWT percentiles, depicting expected development over 6 months; 2. to assess the effect of a 6-month rehabilitation using whole-body vibration (WBV).Methods: Retrospective data analysis in 210 children with CP, GMFCS 1 and 2 who received standardized rehabilitation (DRKS00011331). 1MWT was assessed before (M0) and after treatment (M6), and at a 6-month follow-up (M12). Centiles were created using the lambda-mu-sigma method. Cohen's d was used to assess effect size.Results: We created 1MWT percentiles using data of all 210 children (M0 data). A small treatment effect size (d = 0.46) was found (M6 and M12 data).Conclusions: Using the generated centiles clinicians may monitor 1MWT changes over 6 months. Combining WBV and conventional physiotherapy may improve 1MWT in children with CP.Abbreviations: 1MWT: One-Minute Walk Test; 6MWT: Six-Minute Walk Test; CP: Cerebral palsy; ES: effect size; GMFCS: Gross Motor Function Classification System; GMFM-66: Gross Motor Function Measure 66; LOESS: Locally Estimated Scatterplot Smoothing; LMS: lambda-mu-sigma; SD: standard deviation; WBV: whole-body-vibration.

Motor Function Improvement in Children with Ataxia Receiving Interval Rehabilitation, Including Vibration-Assisted Hometraining: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Physiotherapy, including vibration-assisted therapy, has been proven to be effective for patients with ataxic cerebral palsy. Herewith, we studied the effect of a functional, goal-oriented interval rehabilitation program, including vibration-assisted home-training on the motor function of children with congenital ataxias. PATIENTS: 45 children (mean age 7.7 years, SD 4.70) with ataxia, having received a 6-month home-based side-alternating vibration-assisted therapy combined with intensive, goal-oriented, functional rehabilitation intervals, were included in the study, classified according to the progressive or non-progressive ataxia character. METHOD: Retrospective analysis of the prospectively collected data of the registry of the Cologne rehabilitation program "Auf die Beine". Motor abilities have been assessed prior to the intervention (M0), after 6 months of home-training (M6) as well as in a follow-up 6 months later (M12). We performed a gait analysis, a 1-minute walking test (1-MWT), and the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66). RESULTS: The GMFM-66 improvement (M6-M0 vs. M12-M6) was statistically significant with median improvement of 2.4 points (non-progressive) and 2.9 points (progressive) respectively, and clinically relevant. The 1-MWT improvement was statistically significant and clinically relevant for non-progressive ataxia. CONCLUSION: The intensive training, including vibration-assisted therapy significantly improved the motor function of children with ataxia. Six months later the skills were preserved in children with progressive ataxia and could be further developed in non-progressive forms.