Article

Selective motor control (SMC) impairment involves movement patterns dominated by
flexor or extensor synergies that interfere with functional movements in children
with cerebral palsy (CP). Emerging evidence on neural correlates of impaired SMC
has important implications for etiology and for the treatment for children with
CP. Early evidence on the microstructure of brain white matter assessed with
diffusion tensor imaging in adult patients after stroke suggests that the
rubrospinal tract may compensate for injury to the corticospinal tract.
Furthermore, the observed changes on diffusion tensor imaging corresponded to the
degree of SMC impairment. The rubrospinal tract may provide imperfect
compensation in response to corticospinal tract injury, resulting in diminished
SMC. Cortical mapping evidence in stroke patients indicates that loss of SMC is
also associated with increased overlap of joint representation in the
sensorimotor cortices. The severity of SMC impairment can be assessed with the
recently developed Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity, a
validated observation-based measure designed for children with spastic CP. Recent
advances in neuroimaging and assessment of SMC provide an opportunity to better
understand the etiology and impact of impaired SMC, which may ultimately guide
strategic treatment for children with CP.
CI - (c) 2013 Mac Keith Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS