Rehabilitation outcomes in children with cerebral palsy during a 2 year period

[Purpose] To observe motor and functional progress of children with cerebral palsy during2 years. [Subjects and Methods] Pediatric cerebral palsy patients aged 3–15 years (n =35/69) with 24-month follow-up at our outpatient cerebral palsy clinic were evaluatedretrospectively. The distribution of cerebral palsy types was as follows: diplegia (n =19), hemiplegia (n = 4), and quadriplegia (n = 12). Participants were divided into 3groups according to their Gross Motor Functional Classification System scores (i.e., mild,moderate, and severe). All participants were evaluated initially and at the finalassessment 2 years later. During this time, patients were treated 3 times/week. Changes inmotor and functional abilities were assessed based on Gross Motor Function Measure-88 andWee Functional Independence Measure. [Results] Significant improvements were observed inGross Motor Function Measure-88 and Wee Functional Independence Measure results in all 35patients at the end of 2 years. The Gross Motor Function Measure-88 scores correlated withWee Functional Independence Measure Scores. Marked increases in motor and functionalcapabilities in mild and moderate cerebral palsy patients were observed in the subgroupassessments, but not in those with severe cerebral palsy. [Conclusion] Rehabilitation maygreatly help mild and moderate cerebral palsy patients achieve their full potential.Key words: Cerebral palsy, Outcome, Physical therapy