[Meteorotropism in children with cerebral palsy].

INTRODUCTION

Members of the Rehabilitation team and families of children with cerebral palsy are daily engaged in various activities with these children. Weather changes (the atmospheric pressure especially) on particular days, cause difficult performance of anticipated therapeutic exercises, occupational therapy, speech therapy, education, daily living etc. The aim of this study was to underline the possible connection between performing daily activities of children with cerebral palsy and weather changes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There were 16 children with cerebral palsy, 2 to 14 years of age, 8 females and 8 males. Parents of these children got a questionnaire where they had to write down, on daily bases, one of the following: A--correct and easy to perform exercises, B--difficult to perform exercises, C--impossible to perform exercises--the child indisposed, for a period of three months. For the same period of time the atmospheric pressure changes and the temperature were recorded by a professional.

RESULTS

Our findings are related to the relationship between the efficiency of physical treatment in children with cerebral palsy and meteorological phenomena. The weather changes did not influence about 75% of the patients. In the other group of patients the unsuccessful exercise was associated with periods of extensive cyclonic activity: 15 to 17 of March 1991 (the decrease of atmosperic pressure from 1010 to 999 mbara), 15 to 17 of April 1991 (the decrease of atmospheric pressure from 1000 to 987 mbara), 5 to 7 of May 1991 (the decrease of atmospheric pressure from 1000 to 987 mbara).

DISCUSSION

Before and during cyclonic activity increases the concentration of the positive air iones which interferes with neuromuscular excitation and causes serotonin hyperproduction in the central nervous system, thus causing irritation and the lack of motivation for imposed demanods.

CONCLUSION

About 23% of children with cerebral palsy show meteorotropism in terms of weather changes influencing the efficiency of exercises. The cyclonic activity has unfavourable influence on exercises, while the stable atmospheric pressure or anticyclonic activity has a favourable one in children with cerebral palsy who show meteorotropism. So, favourable and unfavourable days for therapeutic exercises can be clearly differed.