Article

The aim of this study was to use the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry,
Consolability Scale; salivary cortisol levels; and withdrawal reflex thresholds
to assess pain, stress, and pain sensitivity in young children with cerebral
palsy during early developmental intervention programs.
DESIGN: A total of 40
children with cerebral palsy (age range, 1-4 yrs) participated in the early
intervention programs, which included neurodevelopmental treatment, neuromuscular
electrical stimulation, occupational therapy, head acupuncture, and Chinese
traditional manipulation five times per week for 3 wks. The Face, Legs, Activity,
Cry, Consolability Scale was applied during the course of each treatment, and
salivary cortisol samples were obtained from each child 10 mins before and 10
mins after each treatment. Withdrawal reflex thresholds were assessed via
mechanical stimulation of the foot with von Frey hairs. RESULTS: All treatment
programs caused some degree of pain. In descending order, the extents of the pain
caused by each treatment were head acupuncture, neurodevelopmental treatment,
neuromuscular electrical stimulation, Chinese traditional manipulation, and
occupational therapy. There were statistically significant increases in salivary
cortisol levels after the head acupuncture (P < 0.001), neurodevelopmental
treatment (P < 0.001), neuromuscular electrical stimulation (P < 0.001), and
Chinese traditional manipulation (P < 0.001) treatments. No significant changes
were found in the withdrawal reflex thresholds during the study (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that early developmental
intervention programs cause pain and stress in young children with cerebral palsy.

Langue : ANGLAIS