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Sedentary Behavior in Children With Cerebral Palsy Between 1.5 and 12 Years: A Longitudinal Study
Sarah E Reedman1, Emily Johnson, Leanne Sakzewski
1Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre (Drs Reedman, Sakzewski, and Boyd), The University of Queensland Child Health Research Centre, Brisbane, Australia; School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Ms Johnson and Dr Gomersall), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (Dr Trost), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Insights
Sedentary behavior in children with cerebral palsy (CP) peaks around age 5, varying by Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level. This research tracks sedentary time longitudinally in children with CP.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric physical therapy
- Child development
- Neurology
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) significantly impacts motor function and daily activities.
- Understanding sedentary behavior is crucial for the health and well-being of children with CP.
- Longitudinal data on sedentary behavior in this population is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the longitudinal changes in sedentary behavior from 1.5 to 12 years in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
- To investigate associations between sedentary behavior and factors like sex, BMI Z-score, and socioeconomic status.
- To assess moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels in relation to CP severity.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 91 children with CP (GMFCS levels I-III) was studied longitudinally.
- Sedentary behavior was objectively measured across different age points.
- Associations with demographic and clinical factors were analyzed, alongside MVPA estimation.
Main Results:
- Sedentary behavior peaked around age 4-5 years, with variations based on GMFCS level.
- Male sex was linked to higher levels of sedentary behavior.
- MVPA levels at 8-12 years varied significantly by GMFCS, with GMFCS I showing the highest, and GMFCS III the lowest.
Conclusions:
- Sedentary behavior in children with CP reaches its peak by approximately 5 years of age.
- The trajectory of sedentary behavior is influenced by the child's Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level.
- Early identification and intervention for sedentary behavior are important for children with CP.
Purpose:
To determine longitudinal change in sedentary behavior in children with cerebral palsy (CP) from 1.5 to 12 years.
Methods:
Ninety-one children, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I to III, who participated in a large longitudinal cohort study were participants. Longitudinal change was analyzed in objectively measured sedentary behavior and associations with sex, body mass index Z score, and socioeconomic status. Moderate-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) was estimated at 8 to 12 years.
Results:
Average sedentary minutes/day peaked at 4 years in children at GMFCS I and 5 years in children at GMFCS II to III, then plateaued. Male sex was associated with increased sedentary behavior. At 8 to 12 years, children at GMFCS I, II, and III accumulated on average 54, 47, and 14 minutes/day, respectively, of MVPA.
Conclusions:
When measured to 12 years, sedentary behavior peaks by 5 years for children with CP who are walking with differences in trajectory according to GMFCS.
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