Factors associated with the inability of children with cerebral palsy to walk at six years: a retrospective study.
The objective of this study was to describe the locomotion level of children with cerebral palsy at six years and to identify the factors associated with the inability to walk. 264 quadriplegic or diplegic children were assessed. Characteristics of the neurological impairment, neuromotor activities, other medical conditions and sociodemographic variables were studied. 47 per cent of the children could not walk at six years. Topography of the impairment, persistence of certain primitive reflexes, inability to retain a sitting position at the time of the initial evaluation and a history of epilepsy were significantly associated with inability to walk. The sensitivity and specificity of the model for classifying the subjects as unable or able to walk at six years were 82 and 93 per cent, respectively.
Trahan
J
J
Department of Physiotherapy, Centre Cardinal-Villeneuve, Ste-Foy, Quebec, Canada.
Marcoux
S
S
D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D012018:Reflex / Q000502:physiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*