Article

Preventing restrictions to lower limb movement is part of the treatment
given to children with cerebral palsy (CP). Such restrictions can be assessed
using the 'straight leg raise' (SLR) test. This study investigated the interrater
reliability and practicability of the SLR test in children with CP. METHOD:
Experienced physiotherapists examined 23 children with CP
(6-18y; eight females,
15 males) twice. The SLR hip range of motion (ROM) was measured using an
electrogoniometer, and the test was rated based on sensitizing manoeuvres and
biceps femoris muscle activity. Practicability was investigated by evaluating
children's subjective feedback on the tolerable ROM.
RESULTS: Intraclass
correlation coefficients for the SLR hip ROM varied, ranging from 0.84 (95% CI
0.61-0.93) to 0.93 (95% CI 0.87-0.96). Physiotherapists substantially agreed on
SLR ratings (Cohen's kappa=0.73). Biceps femoris muscle activity decreased
significantly with the release of tension on the sciatic nerve. All children were
able to communicate the location and sensation of the maximally tolerated
position. INTERPRETATION:
The SLR test proved to be reliable and practicable in
children with CP and might improve clinical reasoning processes. Lower limb
movement restrictions in these children may partly be related to limitations in
sciatic nerve mobility. Further studies should investigate if the SLR test could
estimate activities in children with CP.
CI - (c) 2015 Mac Keith Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS