Article

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 (chi(2) for trend
test, p<0.05). Predictive for a low level of self-mobility was a cramped motor
repertoire/non-flat supine posture (positive predictive values [PPV] 100%,
negative predictive values [NPV] 54%). Predictive for a high level of
self-mobility was a non-cramped repertoire/flat supine posture (PPV 80%, NPV
74%). 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.

Langue : ANGLAIS