Comparison of motoric activity of American and Polish children with cerebral palsy during rehabilitation

Iwona Kasior-Szerszeń, Wanda Stryła

Iwona Kasior-Szerszeń, Wanda Stryła – Comparison of motoric activity of American and Polish children with cerebral palsy during rehabilitation. Fizjoterapia Polska 2006; 6(1); 7-12

Abstract

Background. Common features of cerebral palsy in children are movement and posture disorders. The most disturbed sphere is motorics. Movement disorders include spastic limb paresis, unvoluntary movements, coordination and balance disturbances. The aim of this report was to compare motor efficiency concerning manual and locomotive functions as well as life activities in Polish and American children. Material and methods. Study material involved 100 Polish children and 107 children from USA. Survey method was used. Results. The results were compared with respect to locomotor and manual functions in Polish and American children. Statistically significant differences were obtained. Conclusions. 1. The level of disability was higher in American children than in Polish children. 2. Manual and locomotive functions in American children were more limited. 3. Everyday child care concerning basic life activities leads to chronic fatigue, frustration, depression and in consequence to disturbances in normal family life.

Key words:
cerebral palsy, rehabilitation, motoric activity
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Vertical positioning advantages in children with cerebral palsy

Stanisław Faliszewski, Ewa Kamińska, Marzena Wiernicka, Wanda Stryła

Stanisław Faliszewski, Ewa Kamińska, Marzena Wiernicka, Wanda Stryła – Vertical positioning advantages in children with cerebral palsy. Fizjoterapia Polska 2006; 6(2); 167-171

Abstract

A primary aim of this paper is an introduction of the concrete arguments to physiotherapists, physicians, parents and other pro-fessionals who deal with rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy, about the importance and the necessity of application into practice vertical positioning method based on the age of a child, not on the achievements of gross motor activity, at any stage of a physical therapy process. Two basic types of vertical positioning method may be distinguished depending on the condition of a patient: the passive and the active vertical positioning method. The difficulty in the active vertical positioning method, that is in the ability of taking up the standing position unaided, opposing the force of gravity, is the major rehabilitation problem of children suffering from cerebral palsy. It is manifested by the inability to take up the standing position unaided at all or the delay in it in the proportion to the vertical positioning standard (about the 16th month of a lifetime) and it results in many disadvantageous changes mentioned in this article. The passive vertical positioning with the help of vertical positioners seems to be the only alternative in this situation. The passive vertical positioning method is above all, the overcoming of incorrect postural-motor patterns in children. The vertical positioning method enables the suppression of intensified spastic tension. The passive vertical positioning facilitates the performance of different ADL, e. g. eating, doing homework, reading, the use of a computer, and has an influence on the course of physiological processes. The Neurodevelopment Treatment method acknowledges it to be a priority while using techniques of the stimulation during the physical therapy process. The only contraindication to the passive vertical positioning can be the prolonged reluctance of a child to such form of taking up the standing position. The advantages connected with vertical positioning by use of vertical positioning table of children with cerebral palsy (passive method) are considered from the sensomotor, psychological, physiological and anatomical points of view and ability to regain particular motor functions. Disadvantageous effects of a short and long-time immobilisation at horizontal position as result of hypokinesis and hypogravity are taken into account as well. The results of the reaserch carried out on people remaining in a recumbent position shortly or prolongedly in consequence of diseases and injuries as well as on healthy people, prove that bed rest cause essential disadvantageous physiological changes.

Key words:
vertical positioning, cerebral palsy, hypogravia, hypodynamia
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The measurement of the parameters of the low-frequency electromagnetic field used in physical therapy

Piotr Żurawski, Ryszard Naskręcki, Maria Michalak, Maciej Jadżyn, Wanda Stryła, Marlena Knapczyk

Piotr Żurawski, Ryszard Naskręcki, Maria Michalak, Maciej Jadżyn, Wanda Stryła, Marlena Knapczyk – The measurement of the parameters of the low-frequency electromagnetic field used in physical therapy. Fizjoterapia Polska 2007; 7(1); 45-51

Abstract

Background. The living organism is affected by electromagnetic influences covering a huge range of frequencies and amplitudes. The low-frequency electromagnetic field (LF-EMF) is a popular modality in physical therapy in Poland. As yet no standard frequency or duration of treatment have been determined and no side effects of EMF have been identified. A better understanding of LF-EMF should be based on objective physical measures and evidence-based clinical studies. Material and methods. The physical and technical parameters of the electromagnetic field applicators, in particular a coil mat for whole-body treatment (length 170 cm, width 70 cm) and an applicator for topical use (length 7 cm, width 6 cm) are determined. Besides, the paper reports on determination of the parameters of the generated electromagnetic fields: induction, topography of the field and the temporal profile of the magnetic pulse. Magnetic field induction was measured by a measuring probe calibrated with the use of a magnetometer. The temporal profile of the electromagnetic pulse was determined with a digital oscilloscope to which the probe was connected. Results. The electromagnetic field was very heterogeneous. The value of induction of magnetic field ranged from near zero to 300 tiT for the coil mat and to 4000, μT for the topical applicator and fast disappeared with increased distance from the field source. The frequency of EMF was 30 Hz. The pulse shape was saw-toothed. increased supply program linearly increased magnetic induction. Conclusions. The position of the body during electromagnetic exposure and choice of applicator (coil mat or topical applicator) have a significant effect on the magnitude of electromagnetic exposure.

Key words:
low-frequency electromagnetic field (LF-EMF), magnetic induction, impulse shape, temporal profile
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Possibilities for precise measurement of increased muscle tone secondary to spinal cord injury with surface electromyography

Aleksandra Zagłoba-Kaszuba Juliusz Huber, Wanda Stryła, Dorota Warzecha, Marcin Wytrążek, Joanna Lipiec

Aleksandra Zagłoba-Kaszuba Juliusz Huber, Wanda Stryła, Dorota Warzecha, Marcin Wytrążek, Joanna Lipiec – Possibilities for precise measurement of increased muscle tone secondary to spinal cord injury with surface electromyography. Fizjoterapia Polska 2011; 11(1); 9-19

Abstract
This paper presents the results of comparative bilateral global surface electromyography (gEMG) recordings from selected upper and lower extremity muscles in patients undergoing rehabilitation following spinal cord injuries at C4-Th8 levels. It was assumed that this technique can enable precise monitoring of changes in muscle tone during treatment in patients with spinal injuries.Surface gEMG recordings were obtained at rest (complete muscle relaxation) and during maximum muscle contraction in 12 patients (aged from 21 to 45 years) from the anterior tibial muscle, gastrocnemius muscle and abductor pollicis brevis muscle before and after four weeks of rehabilitation.Signs of increased muscle tone during surface gEMG recordings at rest observed in the patients were associated with elevated amplitude (mean 52μV). This parameter decreased to a mean of 37μV following rehabilitation. The observed decrease in muscle tone was accompanied by an increase in mean gEMG amplitude of the muscles during their maximum effort.Surface gEMG recordings are a precise diagnostic tool serving to evaluate not only muscle performance during maximum effort but also muscle tone at rest.
Key words:
spasticity, Electromyography, spinal injury
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