R Jahnsen1, L Villien, T Egeland, J K Stanghelle, I Holm. 1. Department of Research, Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital, Section for Child Neurology, Rikshospitalet University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. reidun.jahnsen@rikshospitalet.no
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To investigate self-reported locomotion skills in persons with cerebral palsy (CP) and to investigate variables potentially associated with deterioration of walking skills. DESIGN: Cross-sectional retrospective survey. SETTING AND SUBJECTS: A multidimensional mailed questionnaire was sent to 766 persons with CP, 18 years or over, without intellectual disabilities, living in Norway. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The questionnaire consisted of demographic and diagnostic items, items on locomotion skills, and physical function (SF-36). RESULTS: In total 406 persons, 51% males and 49% females from 18 to 72 years (mean 34 years, SD 11 years) with all categories of CP responded. Median age for reported walking debut was 3 years, with a range from 1 to 14 years. In total 216 respondents (53%) walked without support, 104 persons (25%) walked with support, 39 persons (10%) had lost their walking skills, and 47 (12%) had never been able to walk. Mean level of physical function (SF-36) was 53 out of 100. There were 97 persons (27%) who reported improvement of walking skills, mainly before 25 years, 102 (28%) reported no change, and 160 (44%) reported deterioration, mainly before 35 years of age. Deterioration was significantly associated with older age, delayed walking debut and severe neurological impairment. Self-reported causes of deterioration were pain, fatigue and lack of adapted physical activity. CONCLUSION: Deterioration of locomotion skills is a significant problem in persons with CP from an early age, documenting the need for life-long follow-up. The predictors above should be investigated in further clinical studies, searching for potential causal pathways.
OBJECTIVES: To investigate self-reported locomotion skills in persons with cerebral palsy (CP) and to investigate variables potentially associated with deterioration of walking skills. DESIGN: Cross-sectional retrospective survey. SETTING AND SUBJECTS: A multidimensional mailed questionnaire was sent to 766 persons with CP, 18 years or over, without intellectual disabilities, living in Norway. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The questionnaire consisted of demographic and diagnostic items, items on locomotion skills, and physical function (SF-36). RESULTS: In total 406 persons, 51% males and 49% females from 18 to 72 years (mean 34 years, SD 11 years) with all categories of CP responded. Median age for reported walking debut was 3 years, with a range from 1 to 14 years. In total 216 respondents (53%) walked without support, 104 persons (25%) walked with support, 39 persons (10%) had lost their walking skills, and 47 (12%) had never been able to walk. Mean level of physical function (SF-36) was 53 out of 100. There were 97 persons (27%) who reported improvement of walking skills, mainly before 25 years, 102 (28%) reported no change, and 160 (44%) reported deterioration, mainly before 35 years of age. Deterioration was significantly associated with older age, delayed walking debut and severe neurological impairment. Self-reported causes of deterioration were pain, fatigue and lack of adapted physical activity. CONCLUSION: Deterioration of locomotion skills is a significant problem in persons with CP from an early age, documenting the need for life-long follow-up. The predictors above should be investigated in further clinical studies, searching for potential causal pathways.
Authors: Rasmus F Frisk; Peter Jensen; Henrik Kirk; Laurent J Bouyer; Jakob Lorentzen; Jens B Nielsen Journal: J Neurophysiol Date: 2017-09-13 Impact factor: 2.714
Authors: Jorrit Slaman; Marij E Roebroeck; Jetty van Meeteren; Wilma M van der Slot; Heleen A Reinders-Messelink; Eline Lindeman; Henk J Stam; Rita J van den Berg-Emons Journal: BMC Pediatr Date: 2010-11-05 Impact factor: 2.125