Age Related Changes in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology published research on age related changes in 184 children (age range 4 -16 years old) with cerebral palsy. The children were initially evaluated with the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) and Lifestyle Assessment Questionnaire - Cerebral Palsy (LAQ-CP) and again 2 years and 7 months later. Significant improvements were seen over time on all evaluation tools although mean raw oxygen cost was less over time. At 12 years old, gait was the most inefficient. GMFM scores continued to improve until 13 years of age and two subsets of the PEDI improved until 14 years of age before scores began to decrease. The researchers recommend that these factors be taken into consideration to maximize physical function into adulthood.

Reference: CLAIRE KERR, BRONA C MCDOWELL, JACKIE PARKES, MIKE STEVENSON, AIDAN P COSGROVE. Age-related changes in energy efficiency of gait, activity, and participation in children with cerebral palsy. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology Volume 53, Issue 1, pages 61–67, January 2011