Article
Clinical Neurology
Nathalie De Beukelaer, Lynn Bar-On, Britta Hanssen, Nicky Peeters, Sandra Prinsen, Els Ortibus, Kaat Desloovere, Anja Van Campenhout
Summary: Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a neurological, genetic disorder characterized by lower limb spasticity and muscle weakness, similar to children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (SCP). Muscle data analysis revealed significant ankle clonus issues in children with HSP.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Nicky Peeters, Britta Hanssen, Lynn Bar -On, Friedl De Groote, Nathalie De Beukelaer, Marjan Coremans, Christine Van den Broeck, Bernard Dan, Anja Van Campenhout, Kaat Desloovere
Summary: Given the heterogeneous clinical presentation of spastic cerebral palsy (SCP), this study aimed to investigate the association between spasticity and muscle morphology, as well as compare muscle morphology in different spasticity patterns.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Jason J. Howard, Walter Herzog
Summary: Recent research has shed light on the pathophysiological mechanisms of muscle contractures in cerebral palsy, involving upregulation of collagen content and excessive length of sarcomeres. The use of botulinum toxin for spasticity management may lead to increased muscle atrophy and fibrofatty content. Emerging theories in areas such as muscle homeostasis and epigenetic mechanisms are contributing to a deeper understanding of this complex issue.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Cemre Su Kaya Keles, Filiz Ates
Summary: Spasticity, a result of cerebral palsy, is characterized by involuntary and prolonged muscle contractions, and can be effectively managed with BTX-A injections. However, recent studies have shown conflicting effects such as increased muscle stiffness or reduced range of active force production. The potential negative effects of these alterations on spastic muscles should be further investigated.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Dongwoo Lee, Jaewon Kim, Ja-Young Oh, Mi-Hyang Han, Da-Ye Kim, Ji-Hye Kang, Dae-Hyun Jang
Summary: In children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy, muscle mass of the affected leg decreases at 4 weeks after BoNT injection but significantly recovers by 12 weeks post-injection. The LBM of both legs and total limbs show a significant increase over the 12-week study period, indicating positive outcomes for rehabilitation.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Nicky Peeters, Eirini Papageorgiou, Britta Hanssen, Nathalie De Beukelaer, Lauraine Staut, Marc Degelaen, Christine Van den Broeck, Patrick Calders, Hilde Feys, Anja Van Campenhout, Kaat Desloovere
Summary: This study compared the effects of BoNT-A treatment on muscle morphology, gait, and spasticity in children with SCP. The results showed that BoNT-A treatment led to muscle atrophy, reduced spasticity, and improved gait. However, muscle volume was decreased after 8-10 weeks of injections. Therefore, close follow-up and careful treatment selection are recommended before applying BoNT-A in SCP.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Andrew T. Hale, Oluwatoyin Akinnusotu, Jing He, Janey Wang, Natalie Hibshman, Chevis N. Shannon, Robert P. Naftel
Summary: This study is the first genome-wide association study of spastic CP, identifying a SNP (rs78686911) associated with CP by decreasing expression of GRIK4. The findings suggest that genetic variation contributes to the risk of CP.
Article
Neurosciences
Christian Schranz, Annika Kruse, Markus Tilp, Martin Svehlik
Summary: The study explored the relationship between spastic muscle mechanomorphological properties and functional performance in children with cerebral palsy. The findings revealed correlations between muscle-tendon properties and functional tasks, offering potential for targeted interventions in CP. The results provide insights into the specific adaptations of a spastic muscle-tendon unit in relation to functional tasks.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Britta Hanssen, Nicky Peeters, Ines Vandekerckhove, Nathalie De Beukelaer, Lynn Bar-On, Guy Molenaers, Anja Van Campenhout, Marc Degelaen, Christine Van den Broeck, Patrick Calders, Kaat Desloovere
Summary: This study found a disproportional decrease in muscle size and muscle strength around the knee and ankle joint in children with spastic cerebral palsy, highlighting large variability in the contribution of muscle size to muscle weakness.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pediatrics
Laerke Hartvig Krarup, Pia Kjaer Kristensen, Louise Strand, Sofie Langbo Bredtoft, Inger Mechlenburg, Kirsten Nordbye-Nielsen
Summary: Ankle contractures are common in children with cerebral palsy, with a prevalence of 32%, which remained stable over the years. Lower levels of gross motor function (GMFCS IV-V) and higher spasticity (MAS 2-4) were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of ankle contracture. Age was not found to be associated with ankle contracture.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Eline Flux, Marjolein M. van der Krogt, Jaap Harlaar, Annemieke Buizer, Lizeth H. Sloot
Summary: This study systematically explored the feasibility, reliability, and validity of sudden treadmill perturbations to provoke and quantify calf muscle stretch reflexes during walking in children with neurological disorders. The protocol's feasibility and reliability were demonstrated, and construct validity was shown from neurophysiological and clinical perspectives by analyzing responses to perturbations. The exaggerated velocity-dependent nature of the measured responses strongly supports the use of treadmill perturbations for quantifying stretch hyperreflexia during gait, providing a framework for informing clinical decision making and treatment evaluation.
JOURNAL OF NEUROENGINEERING AND REHABILITATION
(2021)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Britta Hanssen, Nicky Peeters, Tijl Dewit, Ester Huyghe, Bernard Dan, Guy Molenaers, Anja Van Campenhout, Lynn Bar-On, Christine Van den Broeck, Patrick Calders, Kaat Desloovere
Summary: This study examined the reliability of 3-dimensional freehand ultrasound (3DfUS) for measuring muscle size, length, and echo-intensity in children with spastic cerebral palsy (SCP) and typical development (TD). The results showed high reliability for muscle size and length measures, with some variation depending on the muscle, rater, and session. Echo-intensity measures had lower reliability, but absolute reliability was better for distal muscles compared to proximal muscles. Overall, 3DfUS appears to be a reliable tool for assessing muscle morphology in children with SCP and TD, but further investigation is needed for certain parameters.
JOURNAL OF ANATOMY
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Karyn G. Robinson, Adam G. Marsh, Stephanie K. Lee, Jonathan Hicks, Brigette Romero, Mona Batish, Erin L. Crowgey, M. Wade Shrader, Robert E. Akins
Summary: This study examined the DNA methylation differences in myoblasts and myotubes derived from satellite cells in patients with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). The results showed significant DNA methylation differences in these cells, suggesting potential new targets for studying the mechanisms contributing to muscle dysregulation in spastic CP.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Malcolm R. Battin, Sian A. Williams, Anna Mackey, Woroud Alzaher, Alexandra Sorhage, N. Susan Stott
Summary: Cerebral palsy is a common physical disability, and early diagnosis has been a focus internationally. New Zealand is developing guidelines for high-risk neonatal intensive care (NICU) graduates based on imaging data from the New Zealand Cerebral Palsy Register (NZCPR). The study reviewed imaging data from a retrospective NICU cohort and found variations in imaging frequency and modality among different gestational subgroups.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Annie Pouliot-Laforte, Anne Tabard-Fougere, Alice Bonnefoy-Mazure, Geraldo De Coulon, Stephane Armand
Summary: Running ability in children with bilateral cerebral palsy is related to flexor muscle strength, selectivity, and knee extensor spasticity. Runners demonstrate stronger muscle strength, better selectivity, lower spasticity, and superior performance in balance and power tasks compared to walkers.
CLINICAL BIOMECHANICS
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Lynn Bar-On, Erwin Aertbelien, Anja Van Campenhout, Guy Molenaers, Kaat Desloovere
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2020)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Nicky Peeters, Anja Van Campenhout, Britta Hanssen, Francesco Cenni, Simon-Henri Schless, Christine Van den Broeck, Kaat Desloovere, Lynn Bar-On
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2020)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Fenna Walhain, Kaat Desloovere, Marlies Declerck, Anja Van Campenhout, Lynn Bar-On
Summary: Studies on interventions for lower-limb macroscopic muscle-tendon morphology in children with spastic cerebral palsy are limited and heterogeneous, with inconsistent results. More research with control groups and standardized assessment protocols are needed to improve study quality.
DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE AND CHILD NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Andrea Manca, Andrea Cereatti, Lynn Bar-On, Alberto Botter, Ugo Della Croce, Marco Knaflitz, Nicola A. Maffiuletti, Davide Mazzoli, Andrea Merlo, Silvestro Roatta, Andrea Turolla, Franca Deriu
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2020)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Nathalie De Beukelaer, Lynn Bar-On, Britta Hanssen, Nicky Peeters, Sandra Prinsen, Els Ortibus, Kaat Desloovere, Anja Van Campenhout
Summary: Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a neurological, genetic disorder characterized by lower limb spasticity and muscle weakness, similar to children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (SCP). Muscle data analysis revealed significant ankle clonus issues in children with HSP.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lizeth H. Sloot, Guido Weide, Marjolein M. van der Krogt, Kaat Desloovere, Jaap Harlaar, Annemieke I. Buizer, Lynn Bar-On
Summary: In children with spastic paresis, different biomechanical triggers elicited varying responses in triceps surae muscle activation. While exaggerated muscle response intensity was linked to stretch velocity, higher accelerations led to faster response times. Understanding the effects of different triggers will aid in the development of more precise clinical measurement tools for neurological diseases.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Acoustics
Britta Hanssen, Nathalie De Beukelaer, Simon-Henri Schless, Francesco Cenni, Lynn Bar-On, Nicky Peeters, Guy Molenaers, Anja van Campenhout, Christine van den Broeck, Kaat Desloovere
Summary: This study assessed the processor reliability of estimating muscle volume and echo-intensity of the rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, and semitendinosus, demonstrating high ICC values and low relative SEM values for these parameters in both intra-processor and inter-processor analysis. This indicates that muscle volume and echo-intensity can be reliably extracted in typically developing children and children with cerebral palsy.
ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Britta Hanssen, Nicky Peeters, Ines Vandekerckhove, Nathalie De Beukelaer, Lynn Bar-On, Guy Molenaers, Anja Van Campenhout, Marc Degelaen, Christine Van den Broeck, Patrick Calders, Kaat Desloovere
Summary: This study found a disproportional decrease in muscle size and muscle strength around the knee and ankle joint in children with spastic cerebral palsy, highlighting large variability in the contribution of muscle size to muscle weakness.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Francesco Cenni, Simon-Henri Schless, Heleen Adams, Lynn Bar-On, Kaat Desloovere
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the intra- and inter-session errors associated with extracting muscle-tendon unit lengths using ultrasound during gait in healthy individuals. The results showed that intra-session errors were generally less than 2.2 mm, with larger inter-session errors, especially for absolute muscle-tendon unit lengths. Relative length errors were found to be smaller than absolute length errors, indicating potential implications for improving inter-session reliability by expressing lengths relative to the beginning of the gait cycle.
Article
Pediatrics
Nina Vens, Griet Dewitte, Hilde Van Waelvelde, Lynn Bar-On, Amy De Roubaix
Summary: This study aimed to explore the association between developmental coordination disorder (DCD) diagnosed after the age of three and both a standardized motor test and non-standardized observation of movement quality carried out before the age of three. The results suggest that DCD can be associated with poor movement quality before the age of three.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Kirsten Veerkamp, Marjolein M. van der Krogt, Jaap Harlaar, Thomas D. O'Brien, Barbara Kalkman, Ajay Seth, Lynn Bar-On
Summary: Personalized estimation of musculotendon parameters can improve the accuracy of simulating muscle mechanics in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and typically developing children (TD). Compared to TD children, children with CP have significantly longer tendon slack lengths and shorter optimal fiber lengths. In addition, both groups show significantly higher personalized tendon compliance.
ANNALS OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Pedro Valadao, Lynn Bar-On, Francesco Cenni, Harri Piitulainen, Janne Avela, Taija Finni
Summary: Hyper-resistance, an increased resistance to passive muscle stretch commonly seen in neurological disorders, can be measured by stretch reflex threshold. In this study, we propose a correction method for calculating the stretch reflex threshold by considering stretch reflex latency, and evaluate its effect on children and young adults with spastic cerebral palsy.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Nicky Peeters, Britta Hanssen, Lynn Bar -On, Friedl De Groote, Nathalie De Beukelaer, Marjan Coremans, Christine Van den Broeck, Bernard Dan, Anja Van Campenhout, Kaat Desloovere
Summary: Given the heterogeneous clinical presentation of spastic cerebral palsy (SCP), this study aimed to investigate the association between spasticity and muscle morphology, as well as compare muscle morphology in different spasticity patterns.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Babette Mooijekind, Eline Flux, Annemieke I. Buizer, Marjolein M. van der Krogt, Lynn Bar-On
Summary: This study investigates the influence of wearing an ultrasound probe on the medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles and tendons during gait in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) and typically developing (TD) children. The results show that wearing an ultrasound probe causes minimal gait alterations and muscle-tendon length changes, which are similar in CP and TD.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Britta Hanssen, Nicky Peeters, Tijl Dewit, Ester Huyghe, Bernard Dan, Guy Molenaers, Anja Van Campenhout, Lynn Bar-On, Christine Van den Broeck, Patrick Calders, Kaat Desloovere
Summary: This study examined the reliability of 3-dimensional freehand ultrasound (3DfUS) for measuring muscle size, length, and echo-intensity in children with spastic cerebral palsy (SCP) and typical development (TD). The results showed high reliability for muscle size and length measures, with some variation depending on the muscle, rater, and session. Echo-intensity measures had lower reliability, but absolute reliability was better for distal muscles compared to proximal muscles. Overall, 3DfUS appears to be a reliable tool for assessing muscle morphology in children with SCP and TD, but further investigation is needed for certain parameters.
JOURNAL OF ANATOMY
(2023)