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Early Mobilization Rehabilitation Program for Children With Cerebral Palsy Undergoing Single-Event Multilevel Surgery
Melissa Howard1, Christina Bickley, Judi Linton
1Shriners Hospitals for Children (Drs Howard, Bickley, Northcutt, Lux, Scott, Stephenson, and Barnes and Ms Linton), Houston, Texas; Texas Woman's University (Dr Bickley), Houston, Texas.
Insights
Early mobilization after surgery for children with cerebral palsy (CP) helps them walk sooner and improve function. This approach supports faster return to school and daily activities post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric rehabilitation
- Orthopedic surgery outcomes
- Neuroscience of movement
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) often requires surgical intervention.
- Single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) is a common treatment for CP.
- Early mobilization is increasingly recognized as crucial for post-surgical recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate functional and technical outcomes of early mobilization after SEMLS in children with CP.
- To develop guidelines supporting early walking rehabilitation.
- To assess the impact of early mobilization on participation in daily activities.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 23 participants with spastic diplegic CP (GMFCS levels I-III).
- Participants underwent an early mobilization program post-SEMLS.
- Outcomes assessed via motion analysis and clinical documentation.
Main Results:
- All participants returned to walking at school discharge.
- 1-year postoperative follow-up showed return to or improvement of prior walking level.
- Gait Deviation Index and Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument showed improved functional mobility and gait.
Conclusions:
- An intensive early mobilization program effectively restores participation in daily activities.
- Early walking is achievable within the first month post-SEMLS.
- This approach facilitates a quicker return to school and functional independence.
Purpose:
This study investigates functional and technical outcomes to support an early mobilization approach to rehabilitation after single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) for children with cerebral palsy (CP), and disseminates innovative guidelines emphasizing early walking.
Methods:
Twenty-three participants with spastic diplegic CP ages 7 through 17 years, Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I to III, who underwent an early mobilization program after SEMLS were reviewed. Outcomes were examined from motion analysis data and clinical documentation.
Results:
All participants were able to return to school walking at discharge. At 1-year postoperatively, participants had returned to their prior walking level or better. Change in Gait Deviation Index and Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument indicated improvements in functional mobility and gait consistent with or greater than the literature.
Conclusion:
This intensive early mobilization program restores participation in daily activities, walking, and school within the first month postoperatively.
