Can an Intensive Intervention Based on the Motor Skill Learning Principles Produce Changes in the Grey Matter of Children with Bilateral Cerebral Palsy?

Details

Supervisors

Bleyenheuft, Yannick ; Araneda Oyaneder, Rodrigo

Faculty

Faculté des sciences de la motricité

Degree label

Master [60] en kinésithérapie et réadaptation

Abstract

BACKGROUND The Hand and Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy Including Lower Extremities (HABIT-ILE) is a therapy for children affected by cerebral palsy. It improves motor skill and changes positively the white matter. However, the impact on the grey matter was unknown. OBJECTIVE The aim is to investigate the extent to which HABIT-ILE can be a stimulator of brain grey matter in children with BCP. It also researches the correlation between behavioural changes and grey matter (thickness, volume and surface area) changes. METHODS 24 children with BCP aged between 6 and 18 were randomised in 2 groups: the treatment group (12) and the control group (12). Functional MRI scans and behavioural assessments were performed 3 times (before the intervention, 2 weeks after and 3 months after). A two-way analysis of variance and a Holm-Šídák post-hoc analysis was performed to identify significant changes. Correlations were measured using Spearman’s correlation. RESULTS The thickness of the precentral and postcentral gyrus decreased significantly in the TT. The volume of the precentral sulcus and gyrus increases significantly in the TT. Those changes were not significant in the CTL. Multiple correlations were found between the cortical changes and the behavioural tests. CONCLUSION The results show the efficacy of HABIT-ILE for children with BCP. Its use should be encouraged by therapists. The improvements in motor skills seen through the behavioural tests are correlated with changes in the grey matter.