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Published on: January 11, 2016
Changes in mobility of children with cerebral palsy over time and across environmental settings
Beth Tieman1, Robert J Palisano, Edward J Gracely
1Department of Physical Therapy, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Insights
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) showed initial improvements in mobility methods, followed by a decline in gross motor control. Regular screening and timely interventions are crucial for managing mobility changes in children with CP.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric rehabilitation
- Developmental pediatrics
- Childhood disability research
Background:
- Children with cerebral palsy (CP) exhibit diverse mobility challenges.
- Understanding longitudinal changes in mobility is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine changes in mobility methods of children with CP over time.
- To investigate the influence of environmental settings on mobility.
- To inform targeted interventions for enhancing mobility in children with CP.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 62 children with CP (ages 6-14, GMFCS levels II-IV).
- Data collected over 3-4 years via parent questionnaires on mobility methods (home, school, community).
Main Results:
- Mobility methods initially progressed to require greater gross motor control.
- Subsequently, mobility methods either remained stable or regressed, demanding less gross motor control.
- Hypothesized impact of intra-child and environmental changes on mobility shifts.
Conclusions:
- Mobility in children with CP is dynamic and influenced by developmental and environmental factors.
- Regular screening is recommended to monitor mobility status.
- Interventions may be necessary during periods of significant child development or environmental changes.
Abstract:
This study examined changes in mobility methods of children with cerebral palsy (CP) over time and across environmental settings. Sixty-two children with CP, ages 6-14 years and classified as levels II-IV on the Gross Motor Function Classification System, were randomly selected from a larger data base and followed for three to four years. On each of several assessments, parents completed a questionnaire on their child's usual mobility methods in the home, school, and outdoors/community settings. During the first assessment interval, mobility methods increased to methods requiring more gross motor control. During the second assessment interval, mobility methods were unchanged or decreased to methods requiring less gross motor control. Changes within the child and within the environment are hypothesized to occur and to impact changes in mobility methods. Screening at regular intervals is recommended to monitor changes in mobility. Interventions to enhance mobility may be indicated during periods of change in the child or exposure to new environments.
