Objective:To explore the utility of combining repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with action observation therapy (AOT) in improving the upper limb motor functioning of children with hemiplegic spastic cerebral palsy (HSCP).Methods:A total of 66 children with HSCP were randomly divided into a sham stimulation group, an rTMS group and a combination group, each of 22. In addition to routine rehabilitation, the sham stimulation and rTMS groups received the relevant treatment or sham treatment, while the combination group also received action observation therapy (AOT). The treatment was administered daily, five times a week for 12 weeks. Before and after the treatment, everyone′s upper limb muscle tone was evaluated using the modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), and fine motor function, grasping and hand coordination were quantified using the fine component of the Peabody Motor Development Scale (PDMS-FM) and the Carroll upper limb function test (UEFT).Results:After the treatment, significant improvement was documented in the average MAS scores of the bicipital arm and wrist flexors of all three groups, and also in their average PDMS-FM scores, fine motor quotient (FMQ) scores and UEFT scores. After 12 weeks the combination group significantly out-scored the other two groups in terms of their average biceps and wrist flexor MAS scores, PDMS-FM grasping area and visual-motor integration area scores, FMQ score and UEFT score. There was no significant difference between the other two groups in any of the outcome measurements, on average.Conclusions:Supplementing rTMS and routine rehabilitation with AOT more effectively improves the upper limb muscle tension, upper limb functioning and fine finger manipulation of children with hemiplegic spastic cerebral palsy.

Objective:To observe the effect of a family-centered task-oriented training (TOT) program on the functional independence and life quality of children with spastic cerebral palsy.Methods:A total of 62 children with spastic cerebral palsy were randomly divided into a control group ( n=31) and a TOT group ( n=31). The children in the control group were given family rehabilitation training according to the discharge instruction manual, while the children in the TOT group received family-centered TOT. Both groups trained for 1 hour once a day, 5 days a week for 6 months. The mobility, functional independence and life quality of the two groups were evaluated with the pediatric evaluation of disability inventory (PEDI), functional independence measures for Chinese children (WeeFIM) and a pediatric quality of life inventory (PedsQL) before and after 3 and 6 months of treatment. Results:After 6 months there was significant improvement in the average mobility, WeeFIM and PedsQL scores of both groups. The average mobility, WeeFIM and PedsQL scores of the TOT group were then significantly better than those of the control group.Conclusion:Family-centered TOT training can significantly improve the functional independence and life quality of children with spastic cerebral palsy.