The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic and Social Distancing on Motor Function and Growth of Children with Congenital Zika Syndrome: A Prospective Cohort Study

• Published in: Developmental neurorehabilitation Vol. 26; no. 2; pp. 123 - 129
• Main Authors: Gama, Gabriela Lopes, Salvino, Ana Stela, Tavares, Jousilene de Sales, Gregorio, José Geraldo Ribeiro, Moreira, Karinny Michelle Alves, Amorim, Melania Maria Ramos, Melo, Adriana
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 17.02.2023
• Subjects: Child; child development; COVID-19; Humans; motor skills disorders; Pandemics; Physical Distancing; Prospective Studies; social distancing; Zika Virus; Zika virus infection; Zika Virus Infection - congenital; child development; motor skills disorders; Zika virus infection; social distancing
• ISSN: 1751-8423; 1751-8431
• DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2022.2154399

This article describes the impact of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic on the motor function and growth of children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). Children's motor function, weight, height and joint range of movement (ROM) were evaluated before the onset of the pandemic and soon after their return to face-to-face activities at a rehabilitation center. Fifty-two children (Mean 46.07 months, SD 3.76 months) were assessed. Results showed a reduction in proportion of children with adequate body mass index (p = .04), an increase in proportion with adequate height (p < 0.001), deterioration in gross motor function in children with severe motor impairment (p < .01), and a reduction in the maximum ROM for shoulder (p < .01) and wrist flexion (p = .046), elbow (p = .01), knee (p = .03) and ankle extension (p < .01), and an increase in hip flexion (p = .04). The social distancing period appears to have contributed to important losses in motor function and joint mobility of children with CZS; however, this period of time appeared to have less impact on their growth.