Article

The aim of the study was to describe daily physical activity levels of
adolescents and young adults with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP) and to
identify factors that help predict these levels. METHOD: Daily physical activity
was measured using an accelerometer-based activity monitor in 45 young people
with bilateral spastic CP (23 males, 22 females; mean age 18y 6mo [SD 2y 5mo]
range 16y 1mo-20y 11mo); classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System
(GMFCS) level II or III and with contractures of <20 degrees at hip and knee.
Predictor variables included demographic characteristics (age, sex, weight) and
physical characteristics (gross motor function, lower limb muscle strength, 6min
walk distance). Data were analyzed using the information-theoretic approach,
using the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and linear regression. RESULTS:
Daily activity levels were low compared with published norms. Gross Motor
Function Measure Dimension-E (GMFM-E; walking, running, and jumping) was the only
common predictor variable in models that best predicted energy expenditure,
number of steps, and time spent sitting/lying. GMFM Dimension-D (standing) and
bilateral reverse leg press strength contributed to the models that predicted
daily physical activity. INTERPRETATION: Adolescents and young adults with
bilateral spastic CP and mild to moderate walking disabilities have low levels of
daily activity. The GMFM-E was an important predictor of daily physical activity.
CI - (c) 2014 Mac Keith Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS