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Does locomotion improve the cognitive profile of children with meningomyelocele?

C Rendeli1, E Salvaggio, G Sciascia Cannizzaro

  • 1Spina Bifida Centre, Paediatric Department, Policlinico Gemelli, Largo Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy.

Child'S Nervous System : Chns : Official Journal of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery
|June 4, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Locomotion, such as walking, may enhance cognitive development in children with meningomyelocele (MMC) and hydrocephalus. Ambulatory children with MMC showed significantly better performance IQ scores than those using wheelchairs.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Developmental Neuroscience
  • Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

  • Meningomyelocele (MMC) and hydrocephalus are congenital conditions often leading to motor impairments.
  • Cognitive development in children with MMC can be affected by neurological complications.
  • The impact of locomotion on cognitive outcomes in this population requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test the hypothesis that improved locomotion can positively influence cognitive development.
  • To assess cognitive differences between ambulatory children with MMC and those reliant on wheelchairs.
  • To explore the relationship between motor function and intellectual performance in pediatric MMC.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 29 children with MMC and shunted hydrocephalus underwent physiotherapy and mobility training.
  • Neuroimaging (CT/MRI) was used to evaluate brain structure and hydrocephalus severity.
  • Neuropsychological assessments, including WIPPSI and WISC-R, measured cognitive abilities.

Main Results:

  • While global IQ was within the normal range, a split between verbal and performance IQ was noted.
  • Ambulatory children (with or without aids) demonstrated significantly higher performance IQ scores (83-85) compared to wheelchair-dependent children (63).
  • Statistical analysis confirmed a significant difference in performance-related outcomes based on mobility status (P=0.044, P=0.012).

Conclusions:

  • Locomotion, facilitated by physiotherapy, appears to be associated with enhanced cognitive performance, specifically in the performance IQ domain.
  • Mobility status is a significant factor influencing cognitive outcomes in children with MMC and hydrocephalus.
  • Interventions promoting ambulation may be beneficial for improving cognitive development in this vulnerable pediatric population.
Abstract

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