Alyssa LaForme Fiss1, Lynn Jeffries, Kristie Bjornson, Lisa Avery, Steven Hanna, Sarah Westcott McCoy. 1. Department of Physical Therapy (Dr Fiss), Mercer University, Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Rehabilitation Science (Dr Jeffries), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Developmental Medicine (Dr Bjornson), Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington; Avery Information Services Ltd (Ms Avery), Orillia, Ontario, Canada; Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (Dr Hanna), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Rehabilitation Medicine (Dr McCoy), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to document longitudinal developmental trajectories in 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distances and to develop age-specific reference percentiles for children across different Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels. METHODS: A TOTAL OF: 456 children with cerebral palsy ages 3 to 12 years of, GMFCS levels I to III participated. Children's motor function was classified on the GMFCS, and children completed the 6MWT 2 to 5 times in 2 years. RESULTS: Longitudinal developmental trajectories support that 6MWT distances increase with age followed by a tapering, as children approach their functional limit relative to their GMFCS level. Reference percentile graphs were created to monitor change over time. CONCLUSIONS: The 6MWT longitudinal developmental trajectories, reference percentiles, and interpretation of percentile change should assist collaborative and proactive intervention planning relative to functional walking capacity for children with cerebral palsy.
PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to document longitudinal developmental trajectories in 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distances and to develop age-specific reference percentiles for children across different Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels. METHODS: A TOTAL OF: 456 children with cerebral palsy ages 3 to 12 years of, GMFCS levels I to III participated. Children's motor function was classified on the GMFCS, and children completed the 6MWT 2 to 5 times in 2 years. RESULTS: Longitudinal developmental trajectories support that 6MWT distances increase with age followed by a tapering, as children approach their functional limit relative to their GMFCS level. Reference percentile graphs were created to monitor change over time. CONCLUSIONS: The 6MWT longitudinal developmental trajectories, reference percentiles, and interpretation of percentile change should assist collaborative and proactive intervention planning relative to functional walking capacity for children with cerebral palsy.