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Motor Performance in South African Children with Cystic Fibrosis

Lieselotte Corten1, Brenda M Morrow2

  • 1Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Physiotherapy), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.

Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics
|July 31, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) often show delayed motor development, especially in balance. Lung function may impact motor skills, warranting further investigation in pediatric CF care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric pulmonology
  • Developmental pediatrics
  • Motor control

Background:

  • Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder affecting multiple organs, including potential impacts on growth and development.
  • Motor performance in children with CF is not fully understood, necessitating research into developmental outcomes.
  • Early identification of motor deficits can inform targeted interventions for children with CF.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate motor performance in children with cystic fibrosis (CF).
  • To examine the relationship between motor skills and respiratory and anthropometric measures in pediatric CF patients.
  • To identify potential risks for motor delay in children diagnosed with CF.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional exploratory study involving 12 children with CF (mean age 6.17 years).
  • Utilized the Movement Assessment Battery for Children 2nd edition (MABC-2) for motor skill assessment.
  • Assessed respiratory function via spirometry and anthropometric measures including height, weight, BMI, and z-scores.

Main Results:

  • 75% of children with CF performed below average on the MABC-2, with 33.3% exhibiting motor delay and 16.7% at risk.
  • Balance subscale scores were lowest, with 41.7% performing at or below the 5th percentile.
  • Significant negative correlations were observed between manual dexterity and height/height-for-age z-scores, and peak expiratory flow. Balance correlated positively with forced expiratory volume.

Conclusions:

  • Children with CF are at increased risk for delayed motor development, particularly affecting balance.
  • Impaired lung function may be associated with poorer motor development in pediatric CF.
  • Further research is recommended to elucidate the complex interplay between CF, respiratory health, and motor development.

Keywords:
Child developmentSouth Africacystic fibrosismotor skills

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