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Developmental and functional abilities in children with cerebral palsy as related to pattern and level of motor

Annette Majnemer1, Michael Shevell, Nicholas Hall

  • 1School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Quebec, Canada. annette.majnemer@mcgill.ca

Journal of Child Neurology
|March 20, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Children with quadriplegia or severe mobility impairments (Level IV-V) face more functional limitations. However, those with hemiplegia, diplegia, or better motor function (Levels I-III) show diverse capabilities, highlighting the need for individualized assessments.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

  • Cerebral palsy (CP) presents diverse motor impairments affecting school-aged children.
  • Understanding the relationship between CP patterns, motor function levels, and broader abilities is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the abilities and functional limitations in school-aged children with cerebral palsy across different spasticity patterns and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels.
  • To identify specific challenges faced by children with quadriplegia and higher GMFCS levels.

Main Methods:

  • Compared abilities (intelligence, behavior, motor, functional limitations) in children with CP categorized by spasticity patterns (quadriplegia, hemiplegia, diplegia) and GMFCS levels (I-V).
  • Utilized standardized measures for intelligence, behavior, motor function, communication, daily living, and socialization.

Main Results:

  • Children with quadriplegia exhibited lower motor performance and prosocial behaviors compared to hemiplegia and diplegia groups.
  • Children in GMFCS Level IV-V showed significantly lower prosocial behaviors than other levels.
  • Functional limitations were more prevalent in children with quadriplegia and GMFCS Level IV-V.

Conclusions:

  • Children with quadriplegia and GMFCS Level IV-V are at higher risk for functional limitations.
  • Children with hemiplegia, diplegia, or better motor function (GMFCS Levels I-III) demonstrate varied capabilities.
  • A comprehensive, holistic assessment approach is essential to address the diverse needs of children with cerebral palsy effectively.

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