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Early motor repertoire is related to level of self-mobility in children with cerebral palsy at school age |
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| Authors: | JANNEKE LM BRUGGINK MD ; GIOVANNI CIONI MD PHD ; CHRISTA EINSPIELER PHD ; CAREL GB MAATHUIS MD PHD ; Rosa PASCALE MD ; AREND F BOS MD PHD |
| Institution: | Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands;. Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Stella Maris Scientific Institute, University of Pisa Medical School, Pisa, Italy;. Institute of Physiology, Developmental Physiology, Developmental Neurology, Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University, Graz, Austria;. Department of Rehabilitation, University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands. |
| Abstract: | Aim To determine the predictive value of the early motor repertoire for the level of self-mobility in children with cerebral palsy (CP) at school age. Method Video recordings were made at 11 to 17 weeks post-term of 37 preterm infants (20 males, 17 females) who later developed CP. The early motor repertoire was assessed by obtaining a motor optimality score. At 6 to 12 years, children were classified according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Results Of 37 children (mean gestational age 29.1wks, SD 1.9; mean birthweight 1273g, SD 324), nine had unilateral and 28 had bilateral spastic CP. Twelve children were in GMFCS level I, three level II, 10 level III, four level IV, and eight level V. The absence of the age-adequate motor repertoire, a cramped motor repertoire, an abnormal kicking pattern, and a non-flat supine posture were associated with lower levels of self-mobility (χ Interpretation Several aspects of the motor repertoire at 11 to 17 weeks post-term predicted the degree of functional limitations in children with CP at school age. |
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