Emerging Issues in Cerebral Palsy Associated With Aging: A Physiatrist Perspective

Effect of adapted dance program on gait in adults with cerebral palsy: a pilot study

Background

The gait function in adults with cerebral palsy (CP) deteriorates rapidly with age. Dance has been used as an effective intervention to improve balance, postural control, and gait. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and effects of an adapted dance program (ADP) on the gait in adults with CP. The ADP, which consists of floor and barre workouts, was designed to be adapted for individuals with CP.

Method

Ten female adults with spastic diplegic CP (mean age 52.3 ± 6.34, Gross Motor Function Classification System level II) participated in this study. Outcome measures, examined using 3D gait analysis, included spatiotemporal gait parameters and the Gait Deviation Index (GDI) based on nine kinematic variables in all planes of motion. To assess feasibility, we conducted post-questionnaires and a group interview. The ADP, each lasting 90 min, was held twice per week for 12 weeks.

Results

A statistically significant improvement was observed in GDI (Δ5.74 points, p = 0.014), with a large effect size (d = 0.76). Foot off (Δ-0.72%), first double support (Δ-0.2%), second double support (Δ1.5%), and single support (Δ0.64%) showed no significant differences. Step length (Δ1.48 cm), cadence (Δ3.95 steps/min), and walking speed (Δ6.41 cm/s) tended to increase, though the differences were not statistically significant. Participants expressed high levels of physical and emotional satisfaction, suggesting a need for early intervention.

Conclusion

The ADP may improve gait patterns in adults with spastic diplegic CP. The feasibility results indicated that the ADP is suitable for adults with spastic diplegic CP. This study provides evidence for improvement in gait patterns through dance, which has not been reported in previous dance studies on individuals with CP, offering additional information on the benefits of dance.

The impact of ageing on the health and wellbeing of people with thalidomide embryopathy: a comparison of the health impact with the general population

PURPOSE

As people living with thalidomide embryopathy (TE) are now entering their seventh decade, we examine the impact of ageing and the prevalence of comorbid health conditions reported in holistic needs assessments (HNAs) by individuals with TE, compare it with an age-matched sample of the general population, and explore the relationship between comorbidities and TE pattern of impairment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The HNA categories were mapped and compared to those of the Health Survey for England (HSE) and analysed across four impairment groups (A-D).

RESULTS

94% (392/415) of individuals with TE residing in the UK participated in the HNA and consented to a secondary analysis of the data. Less than 2% (5/392) reported no comorbidities; 94% reported nervous system problems; including pain, pins and needles and numbness. Individuals with TE reported a significantly greater number of health comorbidities, including musculoskeletal problems, than the age-matched HSE population.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with TE report significantly more health and well-being concerns than the general population of a similar age. Long-term monitoring is needed to ensure that support and rehabilitation services can meet their evolving needs.

Benefits of inspiratory muscle training therapy in institutionalized adult people with cerebral palsy: A double-blind randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Respiratory health problems are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in adult people with cerebral palsy (CP). The influence of respiratory muscle training has not yet been studied in this population group. The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of two protocols with inspiratory muscle training (IMT), low intensity and high intensity, to improve respiratory strength and pulmonary function in adults with CP.

METHODS

The study was a controlled, randomized, double-blind trial with allocation concealment. Twenty-seven institutionalized CP patients were recruited and randomly distributed in the high-intensity training group (HIT) or low-intensity training group (LIT). Over 8 weeks, an IMT protocol was followed 5 days/week, 10 series of 1 min with 1 min rest between them. HIT trained with a load of 40% of the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and LIT with 20%. Respiratory strength and pulmonary function were evaluated.

RESULTS

After IMT intervention, MIP, maximum expiratory pressure, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow increased in both groups; in HIT 29%, 19%, 13%, and 8%, respectively (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, p = 0.002, p = 0.001) and in LIT 17%, 7%, 3%, and 4%, respectively (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, p = 0.049, p = 0.113). All the improvements were significantly higher in HIT than in LIT.

CONCLUSION

Inspiratory muscle training improved respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function in adults with CP. Training with a 40% MIP load improved all the evaluated parameters and was the most effective treatment for adults with CP.

A bibliometric analysis of cerebral palsy from 2003 to 2022

Purpose

This bibliometric study explores cerebral palsy (CP) research from 2003 to 2022 to reveal the topic hotspots and collaborations.

Methods

We retrieved studies on CP from the Web of Science Core Collection from 2003 to 2022 and then used CiteSpace and Bibliometrix to perform a bibliometric analysis and attain knowledge mapping, including publication outputs, funding, journals, authors, institutions, countries/territories, keywords, collaborative relationships, and topic hotspots.

Results

In total, 8,223 articles were published from 2003 to 2022. During this period, the number of publications increased continuously. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology was the most productive and frequently co-cited journal. Boyd was the most productive and influential author, with 143 publications and 4,011 citations. The United States and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam were the most productive countries and institutions, respectively. Researchers and institutions from the USA, Australia, and Canada constituted the core research forces, with extensive collaborations worldwide. The most common keywords were gait (553), rehabilitation (440), spasticity (325), botulinum toxin (174), therapy (148), upper extremity (141), quality of life (140), disability (115), pain (98), electromyography (97), kinematics (90), balance (88), participation (85), and walking (79).

Conclusion

This study provides a systematic and comprehensive analysis of the CP-related literature. It reveals that Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology is the most active journal in this field. The USA, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and Boyd are the top countries, institutions, and authors, respectively. Emerging treatment methods, complication management, and functional recovery comprise the future research directions and potential topic hotspots for CP.

Global State of the Art and Science of Childhood Dysphagia: Similarities and Disparities in Burden

Feeding/swallowing and airway protection are complex functions, essential for survival, and continue to evolve throughout the lifetime. Medical and surgical advances across the globe have improved the long-term survival of medically complex children at the cost of increasing comorbidities, including dysfunctional swallowing (dysphagia). Dysphagia is prominent in children with histories of preterm birth, neurologic and neuromuscular diagnoses, developmental delays, and aerodigestive disorders; and is associated with medical, health, and neurodevelopmental problems; and long-term socioeconomic, caregiver, health system, and social burdens. Despite these survival and population trends, data on global prevalence of childhood dysphagia and associated burdens are limited, and practice variations are common. This article reviews current global population and resource-dependent influences on current trends for children with dysphagia, disparities in the availability and access to specialized multidisciplinary care, and potential impacts on burdens. A patient example will illustrate some questions to be considered and decision-making options in relation to age and development, availability and accessibility to resources, as well as diverse cultures and family values. Precise recognition of feeding/swallowing disorders and follow-up intervention are enhanced by awareness and knowledge of global disparities in resources. Initiatives are needed, which address geographic and economic barriers to providing optimal care to children with dysphagia.

Beyond pediatrics: noninvasive spinal neuromodulation improves motor function in an adult with cerebral palsy

Regaining motor function in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) has been predominantly studied in children, resulting in an underrepresentation of adults in research efforts. We tested the efficacy of noninvasive spinal neuromodulation with neurorehabilitation (Spinal Cord Innovation in Pediatrics; SCiP™ therapy). A 60-year-old CP participant underwent 8 weeks of SCiP™ therapy, resulting in significant motor recovery measured by 14.2-points increase in gross motor function measure (GMFM-88) score, ~ three times the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) of 5-points. This represented gains in kneeling, sitting, and walking functions. The improvement in GMFM-88 score was maintained above the MCID at the follow up visit (10.3 points above the baseline), twenty weeks following the last therapy session, indicating a persistent effect of the therapy. Our preliminary findings support the therapeutic promise of SCiP™ therapy for enhancing motor function in CP adults. Broader investigations are needed to establish its wider applicability.

The impact of ageing on adults with cerebral palsy: the results of a national online survey

BACKGROUND

Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most common neurological disorders in children and results in lifelong physical impairments. Adults with CP have approximately the same life expectancy as their non-disabled peers, so helping them to stay healthy throughout the life course will have long-term cost benefits via reductions in hospital admissions, long-term care, and unemployment rates.

AIM

To explore how adults with CP experience ageing.

DESIGN & SETTING

National online survey given to adults with CP in the UK.

METHOD

The participants were adults with CP. Items for the online survey were taken from existing self-report measures, with additional items developed for the survey. Several domains of functioning were assessed including mobility, dexterity, fatigue, pain, speech, mental health, swallowing and health maintenance/self-care as well as healthcare usage. Data were analysed using χ2 to examine the relationships between the demographic variables and the survey responses.

RESULTS

The survey was completed by 395 participants, of whom 74.2% were female and approximately 59.3% aged <45 years. Responders reported having problems with mobility, pain, and fatigue with older participants reporting higher levels of pain and more mobility problems, although the correlations were fairly small. Healthcare usage was surprisingly low.

CONCLUSION

The study found that age was associated with a decline in mobility and a higher level of pain, although the relationships were weak. It is possible that the low healthcare usage among the responders is owing to services not being available to respond to their needs.

Adults with Cerebral Palsy: Navigating the Complexities of Aging

The goal of this narrative review is to highlight the healthcare challenges faced by adults with cerebral palsy, including the management of long-term motor deficits, difficulty finding clinicians with expertise in these long-term impairments, and scarcity of rehabilitation options. Additionally, this narrative review seeks to examine potential methods for maintaining functional independence, promoting social integration, and community participation. Although the brain lesion that causes the movement disorder is non-progressive, the neurodevelopmental disorder worsens from secondary complications of existing sensory, motor, and cognitive impairments. Therefore, maintaining the continuum of care across one's lifespan is of utmost importance. Advancements in healthcare services over the past decade have resulted in lower mortality rates and increased the average life expectancy of people with cerebral palsy. However, once they transition from adolescence to adulthood, limited federal and community resources, and health care professionals' lack of expertise present significant obstacles to achieving quality healthcare and long-term benefits. This paper highlights the common impairments seen in adults with cerebral palsy. Additionally, it underscores the critical role of long-term healthcare and management to prevent functional decline and enhance quality of life across physical, cognitive, and social domains.

Physical activity is associated with walking and balance ability but not fatigue, knee extension strength, or body composition in adults with cerebral palsy: a pilot cross-sectional study

Common secondary impairments associated with aging in adults with cerebral palsy (CP) decrease physical functions, including walking and balance ability, and increase the sense of fatigue. This motor dysfunction results in decreased physical activity (PA) and could be associated with obesity and sarcopenia. This study examined the association of daily PA levels with fatigue, physical function, and body composition in 22 adults with CP (age, 37.4 ± 14.7 years; Gross Motor Function Classification System level, I: 6, II: 16). The level of daily PA was divided into percent of sedentary behavior, light PA, and moderate-to-vigorous PA (%MVPA) per day. These outcomes were examined for correlation with the Fatigue Severity Scale, knee extension strength, comfortable and maximum walking speed, Timed-Up-and-Go-Test (TUG), and body fat percentage and skeletal muscle mass using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. An additional partial correlation analysis with sex and age adjustment was performed. The %MVPA correlated positively with comfortable walking speed (rs = 0.424, P  = 0.049) and negatively with TUG (rs = -0.493, P  = 0.020). The partial correlation revealed associations of %MVPA with maximum walking speed (r = 0.604, P  = 0.022) and TUG (r = -0.604, P  = 0.022). The results show that among adults with CP, increased PA is associated with improvements in mobility but not in perceived fatigue or body composition, regardless of sex and age. Maintaining and improving %MVPA and walking and balance ability in adults with CP have a positive impact on each other, and potentially on overall health management.

Tools for Nutrition Assessment of Adults with Cerebral Palsy: Development of a Gold Standard

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders caused by non-stabilized cerebral lesions. Individuals with this disorder are at a higher risk of suffering from malnutrition and other related detrimental effects to their quality of life. For this reason, accurate methods of nutritional assessment are vital for people suffering from this condition. While assessment of nutritional status in children with CP has been extensively studied, very few studies have been carried out on adults. These limitations are due to the great anatomical-functional variability characteristic of this syndrome. Difficulties that derive from this variability in adult patients with CP mean that there remains an urgent need for certain standards of nutritional assessment for this population. The objective of this review is to compile the latest trends in nutritional assessment in adults with CP to guide the development of a conceptual framework for future research.

RECENT FINDINGS

With this aim, relevant studies have been identified. The most commonly used technique to evaluate nutritional status is the BMI because of its ease-of-use. However, its well-known limitations fail to adequately estimate the nutritional status in this population, with measurements of patients with CP yielding results that are much less accurate than those that already exist in the general population. Although more studies are needed, kinanthropometry is considered one of the most reliable techniques; nevertheless, the anatomical limitation characteristic of CP plays a limiting factor.

The perception of disability in cerebral palsy: a cross-sectional study using the WHODAS 2.0

This observational study aims to describe the level of perceived disability in Cerebral Palsy (CP). We described the perception of adults by using the interviewer-administered version of the WHO disability assessment schedule (WHODAS 2.0). In case of intellectual disability (ID), the proxy-administered version was used, and a caregiver was asked to report the difficulties experienced by the patient; 199 patients were enrolled. The level of perceived disability was higher when referred to patients with ID (proxy report) than when referred to patients without ID (p < .001). For all patients, the level of perceived disability varied depending on the severity and the localization of motor impairment (both p < .001). No differences were observed based on the type of motor impairment. The perceived disability was correlated with age only for patients with no ID (p < .05). The WHODAS 2.0 may be a useful tool to explore the perception of disability in CP.

Decrease of Muscle Mass in Young Patients With Neuromuscular Disease: Assessment of Sarcopenia

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia can be associated with the disease etiologies other than degenerative processes, such as neurologic disease including cerebral palsy, myelomeningocele, or Duchenne muscular dystrophy, even in children. Although the relationship between neurologic disease and scoliosis or ambulatory function is known, the mediators affecting scoliosis or gait function in these patients are unclear, an example might be sarcopenia. This study aimed to assess the degree of sarcopenia in young patients with neurologic diseases using computed tomography (CT), and analyze the correlation between sarcopenia and scoliosis or ambulatory function.

METHODS

Pediatric and young adult patients (≤ 25 years old) who underwent whole-spine or lower-extremity CT were retrospectively included. From bilateral psoas muscle areas (PMAs) at the L3 level, the psoas muscle z-score (PMz) and psoas muscle index [PMI = PMA/(L3 height)²] were calculated. The t-test, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 121 patients (56 men, mean age 12.2 ± 3.7 years) were included with 79 neurologic and 42 non-neurologic diseases. Patients with neurologic diseases had lower PMz (P = 0.013) and PMI (P = 0.026) than patients without. In neurologic disease patients, severe scoliosis patients showed lower PMz (P < 0.001) and PMI (P = 0.001). Non-ambulatory patients (n = 42) showed lower BMI (β = 0.727, P < 0.001) and PMz (β = 0.547, P = 0.025). In non-ambulatory patients, patients with severe scoliosis also showed lower PMz (P < 0.001) and PMI (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Patients with neurologic diseases could have sarcopenia even in young age. Psoas muscle volume was also associated with ambulatory function in these patients. Sarcopenia was more severe in severe scoliosis patients in the non-ambulatory subgroup.

Implementation of Early Detection and Intervention for Cerebral Palsy in High-Risk Infant Follow-Up Programs: U.S. and Global Considerations

Early detection and intervention for cerebral palsy is best practice for all high-risk infants according to international guidelines, consensus statements and research-supported evidence. It allows support for families and optimization of developmental trajectories into adulthood. All phases of implementation of CP early detection can be found across the world in high-risk infant follow-up programs, demonstrating feasibility and acceptability through standardized implementation science. The largest clinical network for CP early detection and intervention in the world has now sustained an average age at detection less than 12 months corrected age for more than 5 years. Targeted referrals and interventions for CP can now be offered to patients in optimal periods of neuroplasticity, and new therapies researched as the age of detection decreases. Implementation of guidelines and incorporation of rigorous CP research studies both allow high-risk infant follow-up programs to fulfill their mission of improving outcomes of those with the most vulnerable developmental trajectories from birth.

What Is the Relationship between Trunk Control Function and Arm Coordination in Adults with Severe-to-Moderate Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy?

Adults with tetraparesis cerebral palsy (i.e., wheelchair users) tend to experience more accelerated ageing, resulting in physical deterioration that increases the impact of the disability, leading to a loss of mobility that interferes with people's daily activities and participation in the community. The aim of this work is to study the relationship between trunk control and the function of the less-affected arm in this population. For this purpose, 41 para-athletes were invited to participate in this study, performing five tests to assess upper limb coordination, two tests to assess manual dexterity [i.e., Box and Block Test (BBT) and Box and Ball Test (BBLT)] and three tests to assess intra-limb coordination in different planes. Trunk control was assessed in both static and dynamic sitting conditions. The results show moderate correlations between static postural control and manual dexterity tests in the BBT (r = -0.553; p = 0.002) and BBLT (r = -0.537; p = 0.004). Large correlations were also found between static postural control and intra-limb tasks in horizontal (r = 0.769; p = 0.001) and vertical movements (r = 0.739; p = 0.009). Better static trunk control is related to a better upper limb function in the sagittal plane. Considerations and implications are explained in the manuscript.

A national analysis on complications and readmissions for adult cerebral palsy patients undergoing primary spinal fusion surgery

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective National Database Study.

OBJECTIVE

Surgical intervention with spinal fusion is often indicated in cerebral palsy (CP) patients with progressive scoliosis. The purpose of this study was to utilize the National Readmission Database to determine the national estimates of complication rates, 90-day readmission rates, and costs associated with spinal fusion in adult patients with CP.

METHODS

The 2012-2015 NRD databases were queried for all adult (age ≥ 19 years) patients diagnosed with CP (ICD-9: 333.71, 343.0-4, and 343.8-9) undergoing spinal fusion (ICD-9: 81.00-08).

RESULTS

1166 adult patients with CP (42.7% female) underwent spinal fusion surgery between 2012 and 2015. 153 (13.1%) were readmitted within 90 days following the primary surgery, with a mean 33.8 ± 26.5 days. Mean hospital charge of the primary admission was $141,416 ± $157,359 and $167,081 ± $145,416 for the non-readmitted and readmitted patients, respectively (p = 0.06). The mean 90-day readmission charge was $72,479 ± $104,100. Most common complications with the primary admission included UTIs (no readmission vs. readmission: 7.6% vs. 4.8%; p = 0.18), respiratory (6.9% vs. 5.6%; p = 0.62), implant (3.8% vs. 6.0%; p = 0.21), and paralytic ileus (3.6% vs. 3.2%; p = 0.858). Multivariate analyses demonstrated the following as independent predictors for 90-day readmission: comorbid anemia (OR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.6-4.9; p < 0.001), coagulopathy (2.9, 1.1-8.0, 0.037), perioperative blood transfusion (2.0, 1.1-3.8, 0.026), wound complication (6.4, 1.3-31.6, 0.023), and transfer to short-term hospital versus routine disposition (4.9, 1.0-23.3, 0.045).

CONCLUSION

Quality improvement efforts should be aimed at reducing rates of infection related complications as this was the most common reason for short-term complications and unplanned readmission following surgery.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN DAILY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND CLINICAL ANTHROPOMORPHIC MEASURES IN ADULTS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

OBJECTIVE

To describe the relationship between activity level and cardiovascular risk measures as well as describe general activity patterns of adults with cerebral palsy Design: Cross-Sectional Setting: Academic Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic.

PARTICIPANTS

47 adults with cerebral palsy (CP) Interventions: Not applicable Main Outcome Measures: Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) level was determined by validated self-report questionnaire. Activity (daily step count, walk time, sitting time, standing time, and transitional movements) over 6 days recorded using an activPAL. Weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were measured. Bivariate relationships between anthropomorphic and activity measures were assessed.

RESULTS

38 participants completed all measurements. Nine were excluded due to incomplete activPAL data. The median age was 28.50 years [interquartile range 24.25,47.00], range 18-77 years. Participants' GMFCS levels were I:13%, II:16%, III:21%, IV:34%, and V:16%. Median steps/day for GMFCS I/II participants were 5258.3[3606.8, 6634.7], while median steps/day were 1681.3 [657.2, 2751.8] and 30.0 [6.8, 54.2] for GMFCS level III and IV/V participants, respectively. Significantly greater steps/day were found for GMFCS I/II or III participants compared to those GMFCS IV/V (p<0.001 and p=0.0074, respectively). 60.5% of the subjects had a BMI in the normal range, 10.5% were obese, 23.6% were overweight, and 5.3% were underweight. For subjects with GMFCS I/II, the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient for time standing and waist circumference was -0.73 (0.01). Subjects GMFCS III and GMFCS IV/V had respective correlations of -0.16 (0.71) and -0.01 (0.98). For subjects with GMFCS I/II, the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient for standing time and BMI was -0.55 (p= 0.08). For the GMFCS III and GMFCS IV/V groups the respective correlation was -0.19 (0.67) and 0.00 (1.00).

CONCLUSIONS

Subjects with GMFCS level I or II who engaged in more activity tended to have more favorable anthropometric profiles. Subjects GMFCS III, IV, or V did not have a similar trend. Our findings suggest factors beyond activity patterns affect anthropometrics to a greater degree in those with higher GMFCS levels.

Well-Being of Ambulatory Adults With Cerebral Palsy: Education, Employment, and Physical Function of a Cohort Who Received Specialized Pediatric Care

Introduction: The transition from pediatric health care and school systems presents enormous challenges for young adults with cerebral palsy (CP). The lack of strong societal support during this seminal life event is well-documented and leads many adults with CP to struggle with independence, higher education, and employment. Despite the relatively high prevalence of CP, information about the experiences and function of adults with CP in our society continues to be limited. The purpose of this project was to describe well-being by assessing education, employment, physical function, walking activity, and utilization of health care in an ambulatory adult cohort with CP who received specialized pediatric care at our center.

Method: In this Institutional Review Board-approved prospective study, we invited former patients from our tertiary care pediatric CP center to complete a set of patient-reported outcomes including (1) the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System domains of physical function and pain interference, (2) the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and a project-specific demographic questionnaire about education, employment, income, independence, pain, and health care utilization. Participants also wore a pedometer for 8 days to monitor community walking activity. Chi-squared pairwise or t-tests were used as appropriate to compare survey responses and walking activity data between three groups: participants who self-reported, those who reported by proxy, and published normative data from age-matched typically developing adult (TDA) samples.

Results: One hundred twenty-six adults with CP consented to participate; 85 self-reported [age 29.7 ± 4.3 years; Gross Motor Function Classification System: I (28%), II (47%), and III, (25%)] and 41 reported by proxy [age 29.7 ± 4.1 years; Gross Motor Function Classification System: I (10%), II (68%), and III (22%)]. For the group who self-reported, high school graduation rate (99%) was similar to TDA (92%; p = 0.0173) but bachelor's degree achievement rate (55%) was higher than TDA (37%; p < 0.001). Despite more advanced education, the unemployment rate in this group was higher than national levels at 33% and was associated with high utilization of Social Security Disability Insurance (33%). Within the self-reporting group, 13% required a caregiver. For the group who reported by proxy, educational levels (73% high school graduates, 0 bachelor's degree) were lower than the general population (p < 0.001) and unemployment was higher than the national level, at 64%. Unemployment in this group was associated with high utilization of Social Security Disability Insurance (85%). Within the proxy-reporting group, 71% required a caregiver. The full cohort demonstrated lower levels of physical function according to the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System and less community walking activity compared with TDA references (p < 0.001). This cohort of adults with CP reported significantly higher frequency of chronic pain (48 vs. 12% for TDA; p < 0.001), but less pain interference with daily activities than TDA based on Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System results (p < 0.001). This cohort reported good to excellent overall health (93%) and high utilization of primary care (98%), but limited utilization of specialty care, specifically orthopedic care (21%) and physical therapy (15%).

Discussion: This cohort of adults with CP had similar levels of education as the general population, but had relatively high rates of unemployment, caretaker need, and Social Security Disability Insurance utilization. Although chronic pain was frequent, the impact of pain on work and independent living did not exceed reports from a typically developing reference. Better targeted societal resources for adults with physical disabilities are urgently needed to allow equitable access to employment, promote opportunities for independence, and enable full participation in community life.

Factors associated with walking activity in adults with cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND

This prospective study used instrumented gait analysis, patient-reported outcomes, and portable accelerometers to examine walking activity in adults with cerebral palsy (CP).

RESEARCH QUESTION

This study aimed to provide objective data and evaluate factors associated with walking activity in adults with CP.

METHODS

Participants with CP (ages 25-45 years) completed instrumented gait analysis and patient-reported outcomes, including the Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) and Satisfaction with Life Score (SWLS), and wore a StepWatch for 8 days. Average strides per day, stratified by Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), were compared with nondisabled adults ages 30-39 years utilizing Welch's t-tests with Bonferroni corrections. Correlation coefficients and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses examined relationships between walking activity and GMFCS, gait deviation index (GDI), gait velocity, PROMIS physical function, SWLS, body mass index (BMI), and employment.

RESULTS

Participants included 109 adults with CP, ages 29 ± 4 years, classified at GMFCS levels I/II (73 %) and III/IV (27 %). Compared with nondisabled adults, daily stride count was significantly lower in both groups of adults with CP (p < 0.00025), with a progressive decline according to GMFCS level. Walking activity correlated with PROMIS physical function (r = .42), GDI (r = .48), and gait velocity (r = .58). Association for employment was lower (r = 0.27) but significant, while age, SWLS, and BMI were not individually correlated with walking activity. Stepwise, multiple linear regression modeled with Akaike information criterion explained 40.9 % of the observed variability in walking activity in this cohort of adults with CP.

SIGNIFICANCE

Physical function, as classified by GMFCS or measured by PROMIS and self-selected walking velocity, has the strongest association with and is the most significant predictor of walking activity in adults with CP. After accounting for physical function, a small amount of the variation in walking activity can be explained by GDI, employment, and age.

Unmet healthcare needs in adults with childhood-onset neurodisabilities: a protocol for a systematic review

Background

Many adults with childhood-onset neurodisabilities, such as those with intellectual disability or cerebral palsy, report difficulties accessing the healthcare that they require when they are no longer eligible for paediatric services. Compared to the general population, this population is at greater risk of developing many ageing-related diseases and has higher rates of preventable deaths and premature mortality. Addressing unmet healthcare needs is essential to ensuring equitable access in a quality healthcare system. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesise the current available evidence related to unmet healthcare needs in adults with a range of childhood-onset neurodisabilities.

Methods

A systematic review of quantitative research studies of adults with a range of diagnoses that fall under the neurodisability umbrella and outcomes related to unmet healthcare needs will be undertaken. The Conducting Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Observational Studies (COSMOS-E) guidelines will be adhered to. Searches of key databases will be undertaken, and a two-phase screening process carried out by pairs of independent reviewers to select studies that meet the inclusion criteria. Data will be extracted using a purposefully designed form. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools. If it is possible to pool prevalence data, a meta-analysis will be undertaken. Where pooling of data is not possible, a structured synthesis approach will be used, and results will be presented in tables and summarised narratively.

Conclusions

In recent years, there has been increased emphasis placed on promoting positive ageing and improving the healthcare experiences throughout the lifespan for people with neurodisabilities. Findings of this systematic review can inform decision-making related to healthcare for this vulnerable population and has the potential to contribute to reducing preventable deaths and premature mortality and promoting positive and healthy ageing for this group.

Emergency department usage by adults with cerebral palsy: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively profile the ED usage for a cohort of adults with cerebral palsy (CP).

METHODS

Five years of ED data from a Victorian hospital network was analysed to identify participants with CP using the Victorian Emergency Minimum Dataset supplemented with scrutiny of inpatient admission data to identify cases because of limited ED coding of CP. Presentation frequency, emergency diagnoses (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes) and presentation sequelae were calculated and described. An investigation into rates of low urgency presentations was conducted. Differences between adult and paediatric cohorts were described.

RESULTS

Participants with CP constituted 1586 ED presentations. Adults represented 43% (n = 689) of these. Thirty percent of adults presented more than five times over the study period, with respiratory (25%), gastrointestinal (17%) and epilepsy/convulsion diagnoses (11%) being the most common presentations. Rates of inpatient hospital admissions from the ED increased with age in adults (P < 0.001). Low urgency presentations made up 8.9% of total adult presentations.

CONCLUSIONS

The high rates of respiratory diagnoses and epilepsy/convulsions, both ambulatory care-sensitive conditions, may be indicative of transitional challenges between paediatric and adult healthcare, potentially highlighting difficulties in accessing primary care services. Relatively low rates of 'low urgency' presentations may suggest perceived medical fragility in this vulnerable population. People with CP who present to ED and were not admitted may be underrepresented in this data. National expansion of this research will aid the development of an evidence-based model of care for CP in Australia.

Rehabilitation therapy for patients with osteoporosis

Fractures in patients with osteoporosis are attributable to falls and reduced bone mass. Therefore, balance and muscle strength should be improved and bone mass should be increased to prevent fractures. This study aims to investigate a rehabilitation treatment for osteoporosis. Exercise is a potentially safe and effective way to increase bone density and prevent postmenopausal bone loss. Based on bone densitometry results, rehabilitation exercises can be applied variably. Fractures caused by osteoporotic fragility may be prevented with multidisciplinary intervention programs including education, environmental modifications, aids, and individually tailored exercise programs. In addition, strengthening the paraspinal muscles may not only maintain bone mineral density but also reduce the risk of vertebral fractures. Rehabilitation after vertebral fractures includes proprioceptive dynamic posture training that decreases kyphotic posturing through the recruitment of back extensors. This training reduces pain, improves mobility, and leads to a better quality of life. Hip fractures may be prevented by hip protectors and exercise programs that can improve the strength and mobility of patients with hip fractures. Considering the musculoskeletal condition, the spine should be protected using a spinal orthosis, taping, hip pad, and walking aid, if necessary. Efforts to activate programs such as fracture liaison services should also be considered.

Single Residue Variation in Skeletal Muscle Myosin Enables Direct and Selective Drug Targeting for Spasticity and Muscle Stiffness

Muscle spasticity after nervous system injuries and painful low back spasm affect more than 10% of global population. Current medications are of limited efficacy and cause neurological and cardiovascular side effects because they target upstream regulators of muscle contraction. Direct myosin inhibition could provide optimal muscle relaxation; however, targeting skeletal myosin is particularly challenging because of its similarity to the cardiac isoform. We identified a key residue difference between these myosin isoforms, located in the communication center of the functional regions, which allowed us to design a selective inhibitor, MPH-220. Mutagenic analysis and the atomic structure of MPH-220-bound skeletal muscle myosin confirmed the mechanism of specificity. Targeting skeletal muscle myosin by MPH-220 enabled muscle relaxation, in human and model systems, without cardiovascular side effects and improved spastic gait disorders after brain injury in a disease model. MPH-220 provides a potential nervous-system-independent option to treat spasticity and muscle stiffness.

Characteristics of selective motor control of the lower extremity in adults with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy

[Purpose] We aimed to examine the relationship between gross motor function, selective motor control (SMC), range of motion (ROM), and spasticity in the lower extremities of adults with cerebral palsy (CP), as well as the proximal to distal distribution of SMC impairment in lower extremity joints. [Participants and Methods] We recruited 11 adults with bilateral spastic CP, ranging from levels I to III according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). We evaluated participants according to the Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity (SCALE), ROM, and the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). We conducted the Friedman test to assess differences among the SCALE scores of each joint. The relationship between GMFCS level, SCALE scores, ROM, and MAS scores was assessed. [Results] The mean SCALE scores were lower for distal than for proximal joints. The SCALE scores of each leg showed significant inverse correlations with the GMFCS level. [Conclusion] SMC in adults with CP strongly influences gross motor function. SMC did not have a significant relationship with spasticity or ROM. SMC, ROM, and spasticity independently influenced gross motor function in adults with CP. SMC impairment in adults with CP was higher in distal than in proximal joints.