THESES
Motor function evaluation of hydrocephalus children (abstract)*. Dissertation. Aracaju, 2010.
Aida Carla Santana de Melo Costa**
INTRODUCTION: Hydrocephalus constitutes a pathological condition including neurological and motor deficits that can result functional ability limitations.
OBJECTIVES: To identify the condition of muscle tone; to check static and dynamic functional activities; to verify the association between tone alterations and functional activities in hydrocephalus children.
METHODS: A cross-sectional and descriptive study, using qualitative and quantitative approach, performed at the University Hospital in Aracaju city, from August 2009 to March 2010.
RESULTS: From 50 evaluated children, 60% had hypertonia; 20% were hypotonic; and 20% showed no muscle tone alteration. Motor sequels were present in 92% of the sample. The static and dynamic functional activities were lower in hypertonic children and higher in hypotonic and normal tone children.
CONCLUSION: Muscle tone exacerbation is more present in hydrocephalus children and motor function is impaired, being the neuropsychomotor development delayed more evident in spastic children and less pronounced in children with normal muscle tone.
Key words: child, motor function, hydrocephalus, muscle tone.