Variability in lower extremity motor function in spina bifida only partially associated with spinal motor level

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Pediatric Orthopedics

Background:

• Spinal motor level is a common clinical classification for individuals with spina bifida.
• Previous research indicates a correlation between motor function and spinal motor level.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between spinal motor level and lower extremity functions in children and young adults with spina bifida.
• To describe variations in strength, selective motor control, and mirror movements based on motor level.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study.
• Utilized data from the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry and a gait laboratory.
• Included 77 individuals with spina bifida (59 lumbar, 18 sacral motor levels).

Main Results:

• Lower extremity strength and selective motor control showed some variation with motor level.
• A significant finding was that 90% of individuals exhibited unexpected muscle strength or weakness relative to their motor level.
• Mirror movements did not demonstrate a clear correlation with motor level.

Conclusions:

• Spinal motor level alone does not fully predict lower extremity strength, selective motor control, or mirror movements in individuals with spina bifida.
• The findings suggest a potential need for a more comprehensive spina bifida classification system.
• An improved system should incorporate detailed functional motor abilities alongside spinal motor level.