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Rehabilitation Intervention Is Associated With Improved Neurodevelopment and Modulation of Inflammatory Molecules in
Rafael Coelho Magalhães1, Roberta da Silva Filha2, Érica Leandro Marciano Vieira3,4
1Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Insights
Systematic rehabilitation significantly improved neurodevelopment in children with cerebral palsy. It also modulated key inflammatory and neurotrophic biomarkers, offering a comprehensive approach to managing this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Immunology
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) affects neurodevelopment and is associated with altered immune and neuroplastic profiles.
- Understanding the impact of interventions on these mediators is crucial for optimizing CP management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effects of systematic rehabilitation on neuropsychomotor development in children with CP.
- To evaluate changes in peripheral immunological and neuroplastic mediators following rehabilitation.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study involving 90 children with CP (18 months old).
- Comparison between 60 children receiving 6 months of rehabilitation and 30 children on a waiting list.
- Assessment of peripheral biomarkers and neuropsychomotor parameters at baseline and 6 months.
Main Results:
- The rehabilitation group showed significantly higher Bayley III scores compared to the non-rehabilitation group.
- Rehabilitation led to decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-12p70, IL-6, IL-1β, CXCL8, CXCL9) and increased levels of neurotrophic factors (BDNF, GDNF).
- The non-rehabilitation group exhibited stable immune markers but a decline in BDNF levels over time.
Conclusions:
- Systematic rehabilitation enhances neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with cerebral palsy.
- Rehabilitation effectively modulates peripheral inflammatory markers (reducing them) and neurotrophic factors (increasing them).
Aim:
To evaluate the effects of systematic rehabilitation on both the neuropsychomotor development, and on the peripheral response from immunological and neuroplastic mediators in children with cerebral palsy.
Methods:
This is a prospective cohort study with 90 children with cerebral palsy at 18 months of age. Sixty children received rehabilitation for 6 months, and they were compared to 30 children that were placed in the waiting list. Peripheral biomarkers and neuropsychomotor parameters were compared between the Rehab vs the Nonrehab groups at baseline and at 6 months.
Results:
Results showed higher Bayley III scores in the Rehab group, with significant differences in inflammatory and neurotrophic biomarkers between groups. Rehabilitation was associated to decreased levels of IL-12p70, IL-6, IL-1β, CXCL8 IL-8, and CXCL9/MIG and increased levels of BDNF and GDNF. Nonrehab children had stable immune molecule levels but decreased BDNF levels over time.
Conclusion:
Rehabilitation improved neurodevelopment parameters and modulated levels of inflammatory (↓) and neurotrophic (↑) biomarkers.
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