Physical Therapy Publications
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-7-2019
Journal
Pediatric Physical Therapy
Abstract
Purpose: This project aimed to determine if change occurs over time for impairments of balance, range of motion (ROM), endurance, and strength of children with cerebral palsy (CP), by Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels.
Methods: Measurements were completed in 77 children at two sessions (T1, T2) on average 5.8 years apart. Mean ages were 2.9 years (SD .9) and 8.7 years (SD 1.1) at T1 and T2, respectively.
Results: Significant differences were noted 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: ROM decreased). Endurance scores were not different. Endurance scores did not change.
Conclusions: Longitudinal changes in most impairments occurred in children with CP. Monitoring and targeted interventions should support each child’s development.
Notes
This is an author-accepted manuscript. The final published version can be found at [insert link when available].
The On Track Study was funded by: The Canadian Institutes of Health Research, MOP-119276 and The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, CE-12-11-5321.
The On Track Study Team includes Dr. Doreen Bartlett, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University.