Search

Objectives : To map the presence, severity, and distribution of spasticity and passive range of motion (pROM) deviations in dyskinetic cerebral palsy (DCP), and to explore their relation with dystonia, choreoathetosis, and functional abilities. Methods : This cross-sectional study included 53 participants with DCP. Spasticity was assessed with the Modified Ashworth Scale, limited- and increased pROM (hypermobility) with a goniometer, dystonia and choreoathetosis with the Dyskinesia Impairment Scale, gross motor and manual abilities with corresponding functional classification systems. Results : Spasticity and limited pROM were correlated with dystonia of the upper limbs (0.41< r s <0.47, <0.001 <  p < .002) and lower limbs (0.31< r s <0.41, 0.002 <  p < .025), and both functional systems of gross motor (0.32< r s <0.51, <0.001 <  p < .018) and fine manual abilities (0.34< r s <0.44, 0.001 <  p < .014). Hypermobility is correlated only with choreoathetosis of the lower limbs (0.44, p = .001). Conclusions : Coexisting spasticity and pROM deviations in DCP are functionally limiting and should be addressed accordingly. Hypermobility may lead to an increased luxation risk.

Objectives: To investigate the operational competences screen navigation and dwell function underlying eye gaze performance, and the relation of dystonia and choreoathetosis with eye gaze performance in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy (DCP)., Methods: During a 5-week intervention, ten participants with DCP played eye gaze video games daily for 30 minutes. Six games were used to assess task performance, fixation count, and eye movement accuracy during four measurements. Dystonia and choreoathetosis were evaluated using the Dyskinesia Impairment Scale., Results: Eye gaze performance improved over time ( p = .013). Moderate to strong within-subject correlations were found between eye movement accuracy and task performance, and between eye movement accuracy and fixation count. No significant correlations were found with the movement disorders., Conclusions: Eye gaze technology shows great potential to be a successful computer interface for children with severe DCP, thereby potentially improving their communication skills, participation levels, and quality of life.

Purpose: This study aims to identify eye-gaze control technology outcomes, parent perception of the technology and support received, and gauge the feasibility of available measures., Methods: Five children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy, mean age 4 years, 4 months (1 year, 0 months); n = 4 males; trialled two eye-gaze control technology systems, each for six weeks. Parents completed pre- and post-questionnaires., Results: Parents found the 6-week home-based trial period to be the right length. Written guidelines and instructions about set-up, calibration, and play and learning activities were perceived as important. Children demonstrated improvements in goal achievement and performance. Parents found questionnaires on quality of life, participation, behaviours involved in mastering a skill and communication outcomes challenging to complete resulting in substantial missing data., Conclusion: Eye-gaze control technology warrants further investigation for young children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy in a large international study.