Speech improvement in children with cerebral palsy by "brain-computer-hand exoskeleton" neurointerface rehabilitation

Abstract

As explained earlier, neurorehabilitation sessions involving the use of the non-invasive “brain – computer – hand exoskeleton” interface reduce hand muscle spasticity and improve motor skills in children with cerebral palsy (CP). However, the changes in the patients’ speech functions and their relationship with the upper limb mobility have not been analyzed. The study was aimed to assess the correlation between the motor and speech functions of children with CP, as well as to detect the changes in motor realization of speech production following complex treatment of patients including sessions of neurorehabilitation. The study involved children with CP aged 6–15. The index group (n = 40, 16 girls, 24 boys) received complex resort treatment with the course of neurorehabilitation, while the comparison group (n = 20, 10 girls, 10 boys) received standard resort treatment. A significant (р < 0.001) correlation between the total ABILHAND-Kids score and the indicators of speech production motor realization was revealed. In patients of the index group, complex treatment with the course of neurorehabilitation resulted in the significant (р < 0.001) decrease in hand spasticity and the increase in the total ABILHAND-Kids score and speech scores. No significant changes of these indicators were revealed in children of the comparison group. Beneficial effects of neurorehabilitation may be based on the enhanced plasticity of the neural circuits responsible for planning and execution of complex hand movements, as well as speech processes. The findings can be used to develop new methods for correction of motor and cognitive spheres in children with CP.