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Sensorimotor recovery in children after traumatic brain injury: analyses of gait, gross motor, and fine motor skills

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 November 2003

Johann P Kuhtz-Buschbeck
Affiliation:
Institute of Physiology, Christian-Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany.
Birgit Hoppe
Affiliation:
Institute of Physiology, Christian-Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany.
Mukaddes Gölge
Affiliation:
Institute of Physiology, Christian-Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany.
Mona Dreesmann
Affiliation:
Department of Paediatrics, Mechernich Hospital, Mechernich, Germany.
Ute Damm-Stünitz
Affiliation:
Institute of Physiology, Christian-Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany.
Annegret Ritz
Affiliation:
Neurologisches Rehabilitationszentrum für Kinder und Jugendliche Friedehorst, Bremen, Germany.
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Abstract

The recovery of gait, gross motor proficiency, and hand function was examined in 23 children (13 males, 10 females; age 4 years 7 months to 15 years 10 months) with traumatic brain injury (TBI) over five months of in patient rehabilitation. We used gait analysis, the Gross Motor Function Measure, the Developmental Hand Function Test, and the Purdue Pegboard test. Brain injury had been severe (initial Glasgow Coma Scale GCS<8) in 17 children and moderate (GCS 8–10) in six children. Compared with healthy control children of the same age and sex, repeated gait analyses in ambulatory children with brain injury showed significant reductions of velocity, stride length and cadence, and impaired balance. Spatiotemporal gait variables were correlated with Gross Motor Function Measure scores. Hand function tests revealed deficits in fine motor skills, speed, and coordination. Degree of impairment increased with trauma severity. Despite significant improvements, differences in gait velocity, stride length, and hand function of children with brain injuries and controls were still present about 8 months after TBI. Hand motor skills improved less than gait. Young age at injury was not associated with better recovery.

Type
Original Articles
Copyright
© 2003 Mac Keith Press

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