Exercise Therapy Enhances Motor Skills and Connectivity in CP Kids

| Posted in: Scientific

Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Six Months Guided Exercise Therapy Improves Motor Abilities and White Matter Connectivity in Children with Cerebral Palsy
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:

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Author:

Md Safwan Samsir, Rahimah Zakaria, Salmi Abdul Razak, Mohamed Saat Ismail, Mohd Zulkifli Abdul Rahim, Chia-Shu Lin, Nik Mohammad Faez Nik Osman, Mohammad Afiq Asri, Nor Haslina Mohd, Asma Hayati Ahmad


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: Six Months Guided Exercise Therapy Improves Motor Abilities and White Matter Connectivity in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Year: 2020 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2020.27.5.9

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that affects movement and muscle coordination, often presenting with issues such as muscle spasticity and weakness. Exercise therapy has been identified as a beneficial intervention for improving motor skills in children with CP. However, the specific types of exercise and their optimal duration remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a six-month guided exercise therapy program on motor abilities and white matter diffusivity in the brains of children with CP, employing diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) to assess brain connectivity.

Improvement in Motor Abilities and Connectivity

One of the key findings of the study was that all participants exhibited significant improvements in their Gross Motor Function Measures (GMFM) scores following the six-month exercise intervention. The guided exercise therapy, which included progressive strength training twice a week, resulted in enhanced motor capabilities across various dimensions including lying, sitting, crawling, standing, and walking. Concurrently, the dMRI analysis revealed an increase in the connectivity index of the corticospinal tract (CST) for both upper and lower limbs, suggesting that the exercise therapy not only improved motor functions but also facilitated neuroplastic changes in the brain, strengthening connections within motor pathways.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study provides preliminary evidence supporting the efficacy of guided exercise therapy for improving the motor abilities of children with CP while also enhancing white matter connectivity in their brains. These findings highlight the importance of structured exercise programs as a valuable rehabilitation approach for children with CP, demonstrating that such interventions can lead to both functional improvements and neurological adaptations. The affordability and feasibility of implementing home-based exercise routines further underscore the potential benefits for enhancing quality of life in children with CP. Future research with larger sample sizes is necessary to confirm these promising results and establish guidelines for exercise interventions in this population.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the purpose of the study on cerebral palsy children?

The study aimed to assess the impact of a 6-month guided exercise therapy on motor abilities and white matter diffusivity in children with cerebral palsy, potentially improving connectivity in brain pathways.

How many children participated in the exercise therapy study?

Ten spastic children aged 8–18 years with cerebral palsy participated, all independently able to walk. Six of the children also underwent diffusion magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the changes.

What methods were used to assess improvements in motor abilities?

Motor abilities were assessed using the Gross Motor Function Measures (GMFM)-88, administered before and after the exercise therapy, while white matter diffusivity was evaluated using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging.

What were the study's findings regarding motor skills and brain connectivity?

Results indicated significant improvement in GMFM scores after exercise therapy, correlating with increased connectivity in the corticospinal tract, suggesting enhanced motor pathways in the brains of these children.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Exercise Therapy Enhances Motor Skills and Connectivity in CP Kids”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Table:
Table refers to a systematic arrangement of data, often in rows and columns, used for organizing and presenting information clearly. In research, tables often summarize findings, allowing researchers to easily compare results and draw conclusions, facilitating better understanding and interpretation of complex data.

2) Training:
Training encompasses a structured process of learning skills, knowledge, or competencies through a tailored program. In the context of physical therapy, such as that for cerebral palsy, training involves exercises designed to enhance motor function, strength, or mobility, essential for rehabilitation and improving lifestyle quality.

3) Post:
Post signifies the period or activities that occur after a specific event or intervention. In research, post measurements or observations help assess the efficacy of treatments or interventions, contrasting with pre-intervention results to highlight improvements or changes, thereby providing vital data for analysis.

4) Study (Studying):
Study refers to a detailed investigation and analysis aimed at discovering new information or understanding phenomena. Researchers conduct studies to gather evidence, assess hypotheses, and establish outcomes. It forms the foundation of scientific inquiry, contributing to knowledge expansion in various fields, including medicine and psychology.

5) Male:
Male denotes the sex of an organism that typically produces sperm and exhibits traits such as higher levels of testosterone. In studies involving human participants, identifying sex is crucial for understanding biological differences and patterns that may affect health outcomes, behaviors, and responses to interventions.

6) Chang:
Chang (in research context) could refer to an author or contributor in studies related to human health or neuroscience. The work of researchers like Chang contributes to the evolution of medical knowledge, more specifically in understanding neurological conditions and improving therapeutic approaches for patient care.

7) Learning:
Learning is the process of acquiring new or modified knowledge, behaviors, skills, or values. It is essential in every practice and profession, including medical interventions, where continuous learning enhances evidence-based practice, facilitating adaptation to new information and techniques, ultimately benefiting patient outcomes.

8) Sah:
Shah may refer to an author or researcher involved in significant studies within the medical or health field. Their contributions typically help advance understanding or treatment methodologies for health conditions, especially those focusing on rehabilitation or neurodevelopmental disorders, enriching professional discourse and practice.

9) Ter:
Ther could denote 'therapy' or 'therapeutic,' pertaining to treatments aimed at alleviating symptoms or managing conditions. In rehabilitation, therapy incorporates various methodologies, including exercise, to enhance physical and psychological well-being, highlighting the importance of tailored interventions in promoting recovery and improving patients' quality of life.

10) Rathore:
Rathore may refer to an author or a researcher whose work significantly impacts medical research, particularly in areas like neurology and rehabilitation science. Individual contributions can shape clinical practices and lead to improved therapeutic strategies, particularly for conditions such as cerebral palsy or stroke rehabilitation.

11) Performance:
Performance indicates the execution of tasks or activities, especially in the context of physical abilities and capabilities. Evaluating performance, particularly in rehabilitation, aids in understanding how interventions impact functional abilities, informing practitioners about the effectiveness of treatments and guiding future therapeutic decisions.

12) Activity:
Activity refers to actions or tasks undertaken by individuals, particularly regarding physical exertion or therapeutic exercises. In rehabilitation, structured activities play a crucial role in enhancing motor skills, strength, and overall physical fitness, enabling individuals with conditions like cerebral palsy to engage in everyday tasks more effectively.

13) Gupta:
Gupta might signify a researcher or author important in the context of healthcare studies. Individuals named Gupta contribute to the body of knowledge across various domains, enhancing understanding in topics related to cerebral palsy, neurological disorders, and treatment approaches, thus informing rehabilitation practices and strategies.

14) Water:
Water is vital for numerous bodily functions, including digestion, circulation, and temperature regulation. In a physiological context, hydration affects physical performance, recovery, and overall health. In studies, monitoring fluid intake and hydration is crucial for ensuring that participants maintain optimal bodily functions during physical activities.

15) Rules:
Rules establish guidelines or principles governing actions or conduct within various contexts. In research and therapy, rules can dictate ethical practices, procedural methodologies, and therapeutic guidelines to ensure the safety and efficacy of treatments, helping maintain standards of care in clinical and experimental settings.

16) Koman:
Koman may refer to a researcher or author integral to the field of neurology or rehabilitation. Contributions from researchers like Koman typically enhance understanding in areas such as cerebral palsy, improving treatment methodologies and promoting awareness concerning the interventions needed for optimal patient care.

17) Blood:
Blood is critical for transporting oxygen, nutrients, and waste throughout the body. In medical research, blood tests can provide insights into health conditions or responses to therapies. Studies examine the effects of interventions on blood parameters to assess overall health improvements, particularly in rehabilitation settings.

18) Jang:
Jang may signify an author or scientist notable for their research within the health sciences, potentially focusing on rehabilitation or neurodevelopmental disorders. Contributions by individuals identified as Jang enhance medical knowledge, particularly in developing targeted treatment approaches for conditions like cerebral palsy.

19) Hoon:
Hoon could refer to a researcher involved in crucial studies impacting health-related fields, particularly pertaining to cerebral palsy or neurodevelopment. Individuals with this name may have contributed significantly to our understanding of rehabilitation techniques, therapeutic strategies, and the underlying mechanisms of neuroplasticity in such conditions.

20) Pain:
Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience often associated with actual or potential tissue damage. In clinical settings, understanding pain mechanisms is essential for developing effective treatments. Research on pain management can significantly enhance quality of life for individuals undergoing rehabilitation for various conditions.

21) Hand:
Hand refers to the dexterous appendage used for manipulation and interaction with the environment. In rehabilitative contexts, hand function is crucial for daily living activities. Studies often target enhancing hand abilities in conditions such as cerebral palsy, focusing on improving motor skills and functional independence.

22) Calculation:
Calculation involves mathematical processes to determine values or outcomes based on gathered data. In research, precise calculations are critical for analyzing results, assessing participant progress, and interpreting the effectiveness of interventions, ensuring scientific rigor in findings and conclusions drawn from studies.

23) Discussion:
Discussion pertains to the critical examination of research findings and their implications. In academic papers, a discussion section interprets results, contextualizes them within existing literature, and proposes future research directions. It enhances understanding of the implications and applications of study outcomes in clinical practice.

24) Practising (Practicing):
Practicing, similar to practising, denotes the ongoing, repetitive engagement in an activity, focused on honing skills. In rehabilitation, practicing therapeutic exercises under guided supervision helps individuals rebuild strength and improve mobility, serving valuable roles in physical therapy and functional restoration efforts.

25) Science (Scientific):
Scientific relates to the systematic study of the natural world, employing observation, experimentation, and evidence. In healthcare, a scientific approach underpins research methodologies, fostering advancements in understanding diseases, treatment efficacy, and improving quality of care through evidence-based practices and innovative therapeutic strategies.

26) Channel:
Channel may refer to a pathway or medium through which something is conveyed or transmitted. In the context of neuroscience and rehabilitation, channels can represent neural pathways or methods by which therapeutic effects are communicated, facilitating the understanding of responses to treatments and their mechanisms.

27) Family:
Family signifies the social unit consisting of individuals related by blood, marriage, or adoption. In healthcare, understanding family dynamics and support systems is crucial, as family involvement often influences the healing process, adherence to treatment protocols, and the overall success of rehabilitation efforts.

28) Kumar:
Kumar may indicate a researcher significant in medical literature, contributing to studies concerning rehabilitation or neurological conditions. Such contributions advance understanding and treatment methodologies, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing complex health issues faced by populations with disabilities.

29) Field:
Field refers to a specific area of study or professional practice. In research, recognizing the field is essential to contextualize findings and benchmarks, promoting interdisciplinary collaborations that enrich knowledge. Understanding the field enables researchers to address specific challenges and enhance patient outcomes in healthcare.

30) House:
House signifies the physical dwelling or environment where individuals reside. In rehabilitation contexts, a 'house' can indicate the setting in which home-based therapies occur. Understanding the home environment is essential for tailoring interventions that foster engagement and support for individuals needing therapeutic care.

31) Food:
Food encompasses edible substances consumed for nourishment and sustenance. In health and rehabilitation contexts, nutritional intake impacts overall well-being, recovery rates, and physical performance. Investigating dietary habits is vital; it ensures that patients receive optimal nutrition to support their rehabilitation goals and enhance recovery.

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