title: Outcome measures used in studies of botulinum toxin in childhood cerebral palsy: a systematic review.
abstract: This literature review uses the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health to describe the quality and variety of the studies of botulinum toxin in children with cerebral palsy since 2001. Articles were identified via electronic query and then reviewed for strength of evidence and classification of outcome measures. The distribution of levels of evidence for the 63 articles was I (n = 8), II (n = 12), III (n = 21), and IV (n = 22). One or more measurements were used in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health domains of body structure and function (47 papers), activity (47 papers), participation (12 papers), and environmental/personal factors (10 papers). A total of 67% of all outcomes demonstrated a significant difference (I 49%, II 39%, III 74%, IV 88%). This review illustrates that few studies provide a high level of evidence and that outcomes focus on arenas such as spasticity or range of motion rather than activity or participation domains such as walking.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation, Departments of Pediatrics and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cinncinati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA. micahwb@gmail.com
authors.forename: Micah W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Baird
authors.forename: Jilda
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vargus-Adams
mesh_terms: D018726:Anti-Dyskinesia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D018726:Anti-Dyskinesia Agents; D001905:Botulinum Toxins