Decline in Function in Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy

A recent study followed 76 males and 59 females with cerebral palsy with a mean age of 14 yrs. 6 months at the start of the study. The participants had quadriplegia (96), diplegia (32) and hemiplegia (1) with the majority having spasticity. For four years, data was collected consisting of: anthropometric characteristics, the Spinal Alignment and Range of Motion Measurement, the Gross Motor Function Measure, health status, pain and exercise participation. The Gross Motor Function Measure scores were compared to previous scores from childhood which indicated a decline in gross motor function. The decline in Gross Motor Function Measure was significantly associated with limitations in range of motion and spinal alignment and pain. Less decline was correlated with increased triceps skinfold, increased mid arm circumference and ratio of mid arm circumference to knee height. The researchers concluded that management of range of motion, pain and nutrition may help to prevent declines in gross motor functions in adolescents with cerebral palsy.

Reference: Correlates of decline in gross motor capacity in adolescents with cerebral palsy in Gross Motor Function Classification System levels III to V: an exploratory study (p )DOREEN J BARTLETT, STEVEN E HANNA, LISA AVERY, RICHARD D STEVENSON, BARBARA GALUPPI Devel Med Child Neur Published Online: Feb 24 2010 5:48AM DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2010.03632.x

Teaching Motor Skills to Children with Cerebral Palsy and Similar Movement Disorders – A Guide for Parents and Professionals

Author: Sieglinde Martin M.S., P.T.