Effect of selective percutaneous myofascial lengthening and functional physiotherapy on walking in children with cerebral palsy: Three-dimensional gait analysis assessment.

Background: Walking is the most affected motor function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Orthopaedic surgery is regularly used to improve ambulation in children with CP. Selective Percutaneous Myofascial Lengthening (SPML) is considered the state-of-the art technique for surgical lengthening of spastic/contracted muscles in CP.

Effects of minimally invasive surgery and functional physiotherapy on motor function of children with cerebral palsy: A non-randomised controlled trial.

Purpose: This non-randomised controlled trial investigated whether a combined programme of functional physiotherapy and minimally invasive orthopaedic surgery improves the level and degree of capacity and performance of gross motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods: Fifty-two children with spastic CP aged 5-7 years, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels II-IV, were allocated to two equal groups: experimental group (selective percutaneous myofascial lengthening [SPML] procedure and 9-month functional strengthening physiotherapy programme) and control (standard physiotherapy) groups. At baseline and at the end of the 9-month intervention, the capacity and performance of gross motor function were assessed with the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) D and E subcategories and Functional Mobility Scale (FMS), respectively.

Translation, reliability and validity of the Greek functional mobility scale (FMS) for children with cerebral palsy.

Purpose: To translate and investigate the reliability and validity of the Greek version of the Functional Mobility Scale (FMS).

Methods: FMS was translated into Greek. Test-retest reliability (Cohen's weighted kappa coefficient, ) and concurrent validity (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, r) of the Greek version of FMS were assessed in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP).

Improving gait and lower-limb muscle strength in children with cerebral palsy following Selective Percutaneous Myofascial Lengthening and functional physiotherapy.

Background: Selective Percutaneous Myofascial Lengthening (SPML) is an innovative minimally invasive surgical procedure, using micro incisions often combined with alcohol nerve block, for managing muscle contractures and stiffness in children with cerebral palsy (CP). There is lack of evidence of effects of a combined intervention of SPML and physiotherapy on gait function and muscle strength in CP.

Objective: This study investigated the change in gait function and muscle strength in children with CP who underwent gait laboratory assessment before and after SPML, combined with obturator nerve blocks, and 9-month post-surgical functional physiotherapy.