Pediatric Physical Therapy

A New Year! No abstract available

A Novel Means-End Problem-Solving Assessment Tool for Early Intervention: Evaluation of Validity, Reliability, and Sensitivity Purpose: To evaluate validity, reliability, and sensitivity of the novel Means-End Problem-Solving Assessment Tool (MEPSAT). Methods: Children with typical development and those with motor delay were assessed throughout the first 2 years of life using the MEPSAT. MEPSAT scores were validated against the cognitive and motor subscales of the Bayley Scales of Development. Intra- and interrater reliability, developmental trends, and differences among groups were evaluated. Results: Changes in MEPSAT scores positively related to changes in Bayley scores across time for both groups of children. Strong intra- and interrater reliability was observed for MEPSAT scoring across all children. The MEPSAT was sensitive to identify change across time and differences in problem-solving among children with varying levels of motor delay. Conclusions: The MEPSAT is supported by validity and reliability evidence and is a simple tool for screening early problem-solving delays and evaluating change across time in children with a range of developmental abilities. What this adds to the evidence: The novel MEPSAT is supported by validity and reliability evidence. It is sensitive to detect problem-solving differences among young children with varying motor ability and to capture changes in problem-solving across time. It requires minimal equipment and time to administer and score and, thus, is a promising tool for clinicians to screen for early problem-solving delays or to track intervention progress in young children with or at risk for problem-solving delays.

Commentary on "A Novel Means-End Problem-Solving Assessment Tool for Early Intervention: Evaluation of Validity, Reliability, and Sensitivity" No abstract available

Cardiovascular Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Bimanual Training in Children With Cerebral Palsy Purpose: To determine the influence of combined transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the motor cortex (M1) and bimanual training on cardiovascular function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and HR variability (HRV) were measured immediately before and after 20 minutes of cathodal tDCS to contralesional M1 and bimanual training on days 1, 6, and 10 of a 10-day trial in 8 participants (5 females, 7-19 years). Results: Baseline MAP and HR were similar across days (93 ± 10 mm Hg and 90 ± 10 bpm, P > .05). MAP was similar from baseline to postintervention across all 3 days. Systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, nor HR significantly changed. HRV was not influenced by the 10-day intervention. Conclusions: Combined cathodal tDCS to M1 and bimanual training does not influence autonomic and cardiovascular function in children with CP due to perinatal stroke.

Commentary on "Cardiovascular Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Bimanual Training in Children With Cerebral Palsy" No abstract available

Early Spontaneous Movements of Infants With Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Objective: The aim of this study was to determine motor repertoire at 3 to 5 months of age in infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and to examine changes according to HIE severity. Methods: Participants were 38 infants aged 3 to 5 months with HIE and 38 infants in the comparison group. The general movement assessment and the Motor Optimality Score (MOS) were used. Results: Infants in the HIE group had a significantly lower total MOS and scores for fidgety movements, age adequacy of motor repertoire, and quality of movement patterns compared with the comparison group. Infants with grade III HIE compared with grade I had a significantly lower MOS. Conclusions: Infants with HIE had poorer motor repertoire at age 3 to 5 months when compared with peers. Motor repertoire deteriorated as HIE severity increased. Detecting potential developmental delays as early as possible allows for early intervention and rehabilitation in this population.

Commentary on "Early Spontaneous Movements in Infants With Hypoxic­Ischemic Encephalopathy" No abstract available

Improvements in Muscle Strength Are Associated With Improvements in Walking Capacity in Young Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Secondary Analysis Purpose: To evaluate whether changes in lower-limb muscle strength explain changes in walking capacity during 14-week periods of usual care, power training and follow-up for children with spastic cerebral palsy. Methods: Secondary analysis of a previously conducted double-baseline controlled trial of 22 children with spastic cerebral palsy. Generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate the relationships between within-subject changes in isometric muscle strength and walking capacity over 3 periods. Results: Changes in hip abductor strength were associated with changes in the Muscle Power Sprint Test, changes in gastrocnemius and hip abductor strength were associated with changes in the Shuttle Run Test, and changes in gastrocnemius strength were associated with changes in the 1-minute walk test. All associations supported better walking capacity with increased strength. Conclusion: Walking capacity, especially sprint capacity, can be improved by increasing strength by functional power training in this population.

Commentary on "Improvements in Muscle Strength Are Associated With Improvements in Walking Capacity for Young Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Secondary Analysis" No abstract available

Testing the Child PROMIS Physical Activity Measurement in Youth Attending a Large Community Event Purpose: The study's purpose was to evaluate the concurrent validity of the Child Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) PA with the Youth Activity Profile (YAP) and examine its relationship to PROMIS measures of sedentary behavior and fatigue. The PROMIS Pediatric Activity (PA) measure is a newly developed, valid instrument used to collect data on children's lived experiences of short bouts of moderate to rigorous physical activity. Methods: Participants were ages 8 to 20 years attending a state fair. Child PROMIS measures—PA, Sedentary Behavior, and Fatigue—and the YAP were completed on an iPad. Results: The PROMIS PA and YAP had a positive correlation. The PROMIS PA was not associated with sedentary behavior or fatigue measurements. Conclusion: As expected, the PROMIS PA and YAP measure-related PA constructs, the YAP focuses on energy expended while the PROMIS PA indicates perceived response to activity.

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Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis,Anapafseos 5 Agios Nikolaos 72100 Crete Greece,00302841026182,00306932607174,alsfakia@gmail.com,

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