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Spectrum of gross motor and cognitive functions in children with cerebral palsy: gender differences

Domenico M M Romeo1, Matteo Cioni, Laura R Battaglia

  • 1Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Paediatrics, University of Catania, Italy.

European Journal of Paediatric Neurology : EJPN : Official Journal of the European Paediatric Neurology Society
|June 15, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Gender may influence motor and cognitive development in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Females with hemiplegia showed better cognitive and motor function before age 4, unlike those with diplegia or quadriplegia.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Sex-based differences are documented in various physiological and pathophysiological states.
  • Understanding these differences is crucial for targeted interventions in pediatric conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential influence of gender on motor and cognitive development in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
  • To determine if sex impacts developmental trajectories in CP subtypes.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective, cross-sectional study involving 171 children with CP (98 males, 73 females).
  • Assessment of motor functions using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS).
  • Evaluation of cognitive functions using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Second Edition (Bayley II) and Wechsler Scales. Children were assessed both before and after 4 years of age.

Main Results:

  • No significant gender-related differences in motor or cognitive functions were found in children with diplegia or quadriplegia.
  • Females with hemiplegia demonstrated significantly higher scores in cognitive functions (P < 0.01) and GMFM Dimension D (standing) before age 4.
  • These gender-based developmental advantages in hemiplegic females were not evident after age 4.

Conclusions:

  • Gender may differentially affect the psycho-motor development of children with cerebral palsy.
  • Specific influences of gender appear more pronounced in hemiplegic CP, particularly in younger children, compared to those with diplegia or quadriplegia.
Abstract

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