Achondroplasia and Gross Motor Skill Development

The Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health published research on the gross motor skill development of children with achondroplasia.  A population based study was done on children with achondroplasia ages 12 months to 48 months in Australia and New Zealand from 2000 through 2009.

The results indicated that children with achondroplasia exhibit delays in gross motor skill acquisition although within group differences in height, weight and head circumference (or relationships between these factors) do not appear to influence gross motor skill development before 5 years of age. The only exception was supine to sit transitioning, which appears likely to occur earlier if the child is taller and heavier at 12 months, and later if the child has significant head-to-body disproportion.

 Reference: Penelope Jane Ireland, Robert S Ware, Samantha Donaghey, James McGill, Andreas Zankl, Verity Pacey, Jenny Ault, Ravi Savarirayan, David Sillence, Elizabeth Thompson, Sharron Townshend and Leanne M Johnston The effect of height, weight and head circumference on gross motor development in achondroplasia. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health. Article first published online: 22 JAN 2013 | DOI: 10.1111/jpc.12078

Functional Performance and Achondroplasia

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology published research on the functional performance of 35 Australian children, ages 3-7, with achondroplasia. The Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM-II) was used at 3, 5 or 7 years old. Improvements in function were noted from 3-5 years of age. Milestones were delayed across all ages and domains. The children with achondroplasia required more assistance with self care and mobility skills. Social skills were an area of strength. The researchers concluded that occupational, physical and speech therapists should try to help children and families to become more independent.

Reference: PENELOPE JANE IRELAND et al. Functional performance in young Australian children with achondroplasia. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology. Article first published online: 12 AUG 2011 | DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2011.04050.x