Lynn M Jeffries1, Alyssa LaForme Fiss, Sarah Westcott McCoy, Lisa Avery. 1. Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (Dr Jeffries), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Department of Physical Therapy (Dr Fiss), Mercer University, Atlanta, Georgia; Rehabilitation Medicine (Dr Westcott McCoy), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Avery Information Services, Ltd (Ms Avery), Orillia, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract
PURPOSE: This project aimed to determine whether change occurs over time for impairments of balance, range of motion, endurance, and strength of children with cerebral palsy, by Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels. METHODS: Measurements were completed in 77 children at 2 sessions (T1, T2) on average 5.8 years apart. Mean ages were 2.9 years (SD = 0.9) and 8.7 years (SD = 1.1) at T1 and T2, respectively. RESULTS: There were significant differences from T1 to T2 for some children (GMFCS levels I, II, and III/IV: balance increased; GMFCS levels I and II: strength increased; and GMFCS levels III/IV and V: range of motion decreased). Endurance scores were not different and did not change. CONCLUSIONS: Longitudinal changes in most impairments occurred in children with cerebral palsy. Monitoring and targeted interventions should support each child's development.
PURPOSE: This project aimed to determine whether change occurs over time for impairments of balance, range of motion, endurance, and strength of children with cerebral palsy, by Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels. METHODS: Measurements were completed in 77 children at 2 sessions (T1, T2) on average 5.8 years apart. Mean ages were 2.9 years (SD = 0.9) and 8.7 years (SD = 1.1) at T1 and T2, respectively. RESULTS: There were significant differences from T1 to T2 for some children (GMFCS levels I, II, and III/IV: balance increased; GMFCS levels I and II: strength increased; and GMFCS levels III/IV and V: range of motion decreased). Endurance scores were not different and did not change. CONCLUSIONS: Longitudinal changes in most impairments occurred in children with cerebral palsy. Monitoring and targeted interventions should support each child's development.