Looking beyond Body Structure and Function: ICF Foci and Who Is Being Assessed in Research about Adolescents and Young Adults with Cerebral Palsy-A Scoping Review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to summarize the ICF foci, looking beyond body structures and function, and to analyze who has been assessed in research about adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with CP in the phase of transition to adulthood. METHOD: Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases were searched using terms related to cerebral palsy, adolescents/young adults, health development, participation, and independence. Studies including youth with CP (13-30 years old) published in English from 2014 to 2021 were considered. The methods of assessment reported in the included studies were used to identify the ICF foci and who was assessed. RESULTS: In this study, 86 studies were reviewed. The main ICF foci are activity and participation (51% of the studies), personal factors (23%), ICF not covered (14%), ICF not defined (9%), with environmental factors being the least focused ICF component (3%). Most studies assessed AYAs directly (49% of studies). CONCLUSIONS: Activity- and participation-related constructs are the leading research focus of studies, and more attention is needed concerning environmental factors. AYAs are the main source of information, and the perspectives of other key figures are also being valued. To bridge the gap between child and adult health care, a broader view of health development and approaches to explore AYA developmental issues must be taken.

A Novel Video-Based Methodology for Automated Classification of Dystonia and Choreoathetosis in Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy During a Lower Extremity Task.

BACKGROUND: Movement disorders in children and adolescents with dyskinetic cerebral palsy (CP) are commonly assessed from video recordings, however scoring is time-consuming and expert knowledge is required for an appropriate assessment. OBJECTIVE: To explore a machine learning approach for automated classification of amplitude and duration of distal leg dystonia and choreoathetosis within short video sequences. METHODS: Available videos of a heel-toe tapping task were preprocessed to optimize key point extraction using markerless motion analysis. Postprocessed key point data were passed to a time series classification ensemble algorithm to classify dystonia and choreoathetosis duration and amplitude classes (scores 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4), respectively. As ground truth clinical scoring of dystonia and choreoathetosis by the Dyskinesia Impairment Scale was used. Multiclass performance metrics as well as metrics for summarized scores: absence (score 0) and presence (score 1-4) were determined. RESULTS: Thirty-three participants were included: 29 with dyskinetic CP and 4 typically developing, age 14 years:6 months ± 5 years:15 months. The multiclass accuracy results for dystonia were 77% for duration and 68% for amplitude; for choreoathetosis 30% for duration and 38% for amplitude. The metrics for score 0 versus score 1 to 4 revealed an accuracy of 81% for dystonia duration, 77% for dystonia amplitude, 53% for choreoathetosis duration and amplitude. CONCLUSIONS: This methodology study yielded encouraging results in distinguishing between presence and absence of dystonia, but not for choreoathetosis. A larger dataset is required for models to accurately represent distinct classes/scores. This study presents a novel methodology of automated assessment of movement disorders solely from video data.

Exploring Clinical and Neurophysiological Factors Associated with Response to Constraint Therapy and Brain Stimulation in Children with Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy.

BACKGROUND: Perinatal stroke causes hemiparetic cerebral palsy (HCP) and lifelong disability. Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) and neurostimulation may enhance motor function, but the individual factors associated with responsiveness are undetermined. OBJECTIVE: We explored the clinical and neurophysiological factors associated with responsiveness to CIMT and/or brain stimulation within a clinical trial. METHODS: PLASTIC CHAMPS was a randomized, blinded, sham-controlled trial (n = 45) of CIMT and neurostimulation paired with intensive, goal-directed therapy. Primary outcome was the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA). Classification trees created through recursive partitioning suggested clinical and neurophysiological profiles associated with improvement at 6-months. RESULTS: Both clinical (stroke side (left) and age >14 years) and neurophysiological (intracortical inhibition/facilitation and motor threshold) were associated with responsiveness across treatment groups with positive predictive values (PPV) approaching 80%. CONCLUSION: This preliminary analysis suggested sets of variables that may be associated with response to intensive therapies in HCP. Further modeling in larger trials is required.

Safety and feasibility of symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise test using the modified Naughton protocol in children with cerebral palsy: An observational study.

ABSTRACT: Variables derived from the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX) provide objective information regarding the exercise capacity of children with cerebral palsy (CP), which can be used as the basis for exercise recommendations. Performing maximal CPX might not be appropriate, safe, or practical for children with CP. In the present study, the safety and feasibility of symptom-limited CPX using the modified Naughton protocol, a submaximal protocol, were investigated in children with CP, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level I or II. The present study included 40 children aged 6 to 12 years with CP who underwent symptom-limited CPX. CPX was performed to measure cardiopulmonary fitness using a treadmill with a modified Naughton protocol. Motor capacity was assessed using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and 6-minute walk test. Thirty-seven children with CP successfully completed testing without any adverse events during or immediately after CPX (dropout rate 7.5%). The reason for test termination was dyspnea (51.4%) or leg fatigue (48.6%). Based on the respiratory exchange ratio (RER), 21 of 37 (56.8%) children chose premature termination. The relationship between the reason for test termination and RER was not statistically significant (Spearman rho = 0.082, P = .631). CPX exercise time was strongly correlated with GMFM (Spearman rho = 0.714) and moderate correlation with PBS (Spearman rho = 0.690) and TUG (Spearman rho = 0.537). Peak oxygen uptake during CPX showed a weak correlation with GMFM and a moderate correlation with PBS. This study revealed that symptom-limited CPX using the modified Naughton protocol was safe and feasible for children with CP and GMFCS level I or II.

Risk factors for intellectual disability in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive disorder of posture and movement caused by prenatal or perinatal lesions of the brain. Children with CP are also at increased risk of other disabilities, for example, intellectual disability. Previous studies suggest the risk of intellectual disability varies in complex ways according to the type of motor impairment and perinatal factors such as gestational age. OBJECTIVE: To determine the patterns of risk of intellectual disability in children with spastic CP. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, population-based study using the Northern Ireland Cerebral Palsy Register. PARTICIPANTS: Persons born in 1981-2008 with congenital bilateral or unilateral spastic CP (N=1452). OUTCOME MEASURE: The outcome measure was severe intellectual disability (IQ <50), as reported by clinicians known to the child. Data pertaining to CP subtype, sex, gestational age, birth weight and functional level were included in analyses. RESULTS: Severe intellectual disability was significantly more prevalent in children with bilateral spastic CP (BSCP) compared with children with unilateral spastic CP (χ² (2)=162.60, p<0.001). Compared with very preterm infants with BSCP, the risk of intellectual disability increased in moderately preterm (OR=3.97, 95% CI 1.04 to 15.23) and at-term (OR=2.51, 95% CI 1.16 to 5.44) children with BSCP. CONCLUSIONS: Children with BSCP are at increased risk of intellectual disability, with those born at term at the highest risk. The findings highlight the importance of early screening, particularly for children with BSCP born at term.

Is impaired coordination related to match physical load in footballers with cerebral palsy of different sport classes?

Impaired coordination is a characteristic feature in cerebral palsy (CP) football players. This study aimed to determine the relationships of three coordination tests with match physical load during competition of para-footballers from different sport classes. Records from 259 para-footballers from 25 national teams were obtained in four international competitions held in 2018 and 2019. The three coordination tests were conducted prior to competition (i.e., rapid heel-toe, side-stepping, and split jumps), and physical match load was recorded by GPS devices during the real game: i.e., maximum/mean, total distance, distance covered at different speed zones, number of accelerations/decelerations at different intensities, and player load. FT1 and FT3 players have the lowest and highest performance in all the coordination tests, respectively, but inconclusive between-groups differences were obtained (p=0.022‒0.238). Split jumps and side-stepping tests are associated with the performance of moderate and high accelerations during competition (r = -0.20‒0.71; p<0.01). Significant correlations (r = 0.36‒0.71; p<0.01) were obtained between all the coordination measures. Coordination tests better discriminate those with more severe impairments and some evidence for the validity of the new CP football sport classes is provided. Further research is necessary to identify the portion of the variance in sports performance that coordination explains.

Cluster analysis of impairment measures to inform an evidence-based classification structure in RaceRunning, a new World Para Athletics event for athletes with hypertonia, ataxia or athetosis.

RaceRunning enables athletes with limited or no walking ability to propel themselves independently using a three-wheeled frame that has a saddle, handle bars and a chest plate. For RaceRunning to be included as a para athletics event, an evidence-based classification system is required. This study assessed the impact of trunk control and lower limb impairment measures on RaceRunning performance and evaluated whether cluster analysis of these impairment measures produces a valid classification structure for RaceRunning. The Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS), Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity (SCALE), the Australian Spasticity Assessment Scale (ASAS), and knee extension were recorded for 26 RaceRunning athletes. Thirteen male and 13 female athletes aged 24 (SD = 7) years participated. All impairment measures were significantly correlated with performance (rho = 0.55-0.74). Using ASAS, SCALE, TCMS and knee extension as cluster variables in a two-step cluster analysis resulted in two clusters of athletes. Race speed and the impairment measures were significantly different between the clusters (p < 0.001). The findings of this study provide evidence for the utility of the selected impairment measures in an evidence-based classification system for RaceRunning athletes.

Clinical Presentation of Spasticity and Passive Range of Motion Deviations in Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy in Relation to Dystonia, Choreoathetosis, and Functional Classification Systems.

Objectives: To map the presence, severity, and distribution of spasticity and passive range of motion (pROM) deviations in dyskinetic cerebral palsy (DCP), and to explore their relation with dystonia, choreoathetosis, and functional abilities.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 53 participants with DCP. Spasticity was assessed with the Modified Ashworth Scale, limited- and increased pROM (hypermobility) with a goniometer, dystonia and choreoathetosis with the Dyskinesia Impairment Scale, gross motor and manual abilities with corresponding functional classification systems.Results: Spasticity and limited pROM were correlated with dystonia of the upper limbs (0.41< rs<0.47, <0.001 < p < .002) and lower limbs (0.31< rs<0.41, 0.002 < p < .025), and both functional systems of gross motor (0.32< rs<0.51, <0.001 < p < .018) and fine manual abilities (0.34< rs<0.44, 0.001 < p < .014). Hypermobility is correlated only with choreoathetosis of the lower limbs (0.44, p = .001).Conclusions: Coexisting spasticity and pROM deviations in DCP are functionally limiting and should be addressed accordingly. Hypermobility may lead to an increased luxation risk.

Longitudinal Trajectories and Reference Percentiles for Participation in Family and Recreational Activities of Children with Cerebral Palsy.

AIM: To create longitudinal trajectories and reference percentiles for frequency of participation in family and recreational activities for children with cerebral palsy (CP) by Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level. METHODS: 708 children with CP 18-months to 12-years of age and their families participated in two to five assessments using the GMFCS and Child Engagement in Daily Life Measure. Data were analyzed using mixed-effects models and quantile regression. RESULTS: Longitudinal trajectories depict the relatively stable level of frequency of participation with considerable individual variability. Average change in the frequency of participation scores of children from 2-12 years of age by GMFCS level varied from 3.7 (GMFCS level I) to - 9.0 points (GMFCS level V). A system to interpret the magnitude of change in percentiles over time is presented. CONCLUSIONS: Longitudinal trajectories and reference percentiles can inform therapists and families for collaboratively designing services and monitoring performance to support children's participation in family and recreational activities.

The Stability of the Gross Motor Function Classification System in Children with Cerebral Palsy Living in Stockholm and Factors Associated with Change.

AIM: To determine the degree of stability in the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) for children with cerebral pares (CP) and to analyze factors associated with changes of the over time, in Stockholm between the year 2000 and 2019. METHOD: A register study on 768 children with at least two GMFCS ratings, linear regression analysis was used to study factors associated to a change in GMFCS level. RESULTS: 72% of the children kept the same GMFCS level. A change in GMFCS level was most common for children in GMFCS level II (68%). The first change in GMFCS level happened most commonly between the ages 2 and 4. Initial GMFCS level (Beta 0.127; p < 0.001) and one or more intensive training periods with a physiotherapist (Beta 0.097; p = 0.018) were associated with a change in GMFCS level. INTERPRETATION: Most children with CP remain stable in their GMFCS level, but for those classified in level II, a change occurs for almost seven out of ten. Classifications made before the child turns four are less certain than those made later. Further studies are needed to clarify if occurrence of intensive training is the cause or result of the change in GMFCS level.

Hip Reconstruction in Nonambulatory Children With Cerebral Palsy: Identifying Risk Factors Associated With Postoperative Complications and Prolonged Length of Stay.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between preoperative comorbidities, surgical complications, and length of stay (LOS) after hip reconstruction in nonambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: This single-center retrospective cohort study included 127 patients undergoing hip surgery between 2007 and 2016 who were diagnosed with CP (GMFCS IV/V). The cohort was 54% Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) V with an average age at surgery of 9 years (range, 3-19 y). Preoperative comorbidities included: presence of a gastrostomy tube, respiratory difficulty requiring positive-pressure ventilation or tracheostomy, history of seizures, and nonverbal status. Complications were dichotomized into major and minor complications according to severity. Multivariable general linear modeling was used to identify factors associated with complications and prolonged LOS. RESULTS: The median LOS in the hospital was 6 days (intequartile range, 5-9 d). The majority of procedures (72%) involved both the femur and acetabulum and 82% of surgeries were performed bilaterally. Patients who experienced a major complication were mostly GMFCS level V and were more likely to spend time in intensive care unit than postanesthetic care unit (P=0.001). Multivariable analysis for a major complication determined that the addition of each comorbid risk fact increased the odds of developing a major complication by 2.6 times (odds ratio, 2.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.56-4.47; P<0.001) regardless of GMFCS level. Multivariable analysis for prolonged LOS determined that major complications (P<0.001), bilaterality (P=0.01), age (P=0.02), female sex (P=0.01), and GMFCS V (P<0.001) were all factors that increased LOS. Migration percentage, acetabular index odds ratio, and pelvic obliquity were not associated with prolonged LOS or the presence of a major complication. CONCLUSIONS: From our analysis, the authors found that a patient's premorbid comorbidities were more predictive of the likelihood of sustaining a major complication than their GMFCS level. Identifying high-risk patients preoperatively may help reduce complications and LOS, which ultimately will improve the quality of care the authors deliver to nonambulatory children with CP undergoing hip reconstruction surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective cohort study.

The Pediatric Subjective Global Nutrition Assessment Classifies More Children With Cerebral Palsy as Malnourished Compared With Anthropometry.

BACKGROUND: Nutrition assessment is multidimensional; however, much of the literature examining the nutritional status of children with cerebral palsy (CP) focuses on a single dimension. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate nutritional status in children and adolescents with CP by comparing results from the Pediatric Subjective Global Nutrition Assessment (SGNA) with results from traditional anthropometric measures. DESIGN: This study was a cross-sectional observational study. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: This study was conducted in a tertiary hospital outpatient setting in Brisbane, Australia, from February 2017 to March 2018. A total of 89 children (63 boys) with CP aged between 2 and 18 years of age were included. All Gross Motor Function Classification System levels were observed. The majority of children were in Gross Motor Function Classification System I and II (57, 64%) compared with Gross Motor Function Classification System III to V (32, 36%). Children with feeding tubes and those acutely unwell or hospitalized were excluded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Children were classified as well nourished, moderately malnourished, or severely malnourished by dietitians using the SGNA. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), triceps skinfold thickness, subscapular skinfold thickness, and mid upper arm circumference were measured and converted to z scores to account for age and sex differences. Moderate malnutrition was defined by z scores -2.00 to -2.99 and severe malnutrition as ≤-3.00 z scores. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS PERFORMED: Multinomial logistic analyses were used to compare results from the SGNA and each single measurement. Continuous outcomes were transformed into z scores. Agreement was assessed with 2 categories: not malnourished and malnourished. Comparison statistics included percent agreement, sensitivity, and specificity. RESULTS: More children were classified as moderately or severely malnourished by SGNA than any of the anthropometric z score cutoffs. The majority of children were well nourished (n = 63) with 20 (22%) moderately malnourished and 6 (7%) severely malnourished by SGNA. The SGNA classified 11 children as malnourished that were not classified as malnourished by BMI. Children with moderate or severe malnutrition by SGNA had lower weight (P < .001, P < .001), BMI (P < .001, P < .001), mid upper arm circumference (P < .001, P < .001), triceps skinfold thickness (P = .01, P = .007), and subscapular skinfold thickness (P = .005, P = .02) z scores than well-nourished children. CONCLUSION: The SGNA identified more potentially malnourished children including children classified as well nourished by the single measurements such as BMI, height, and weight. The SGNA provided a clinically useful multidimensional approach to nutrition assessment for children with CP.

[Effectiveness of robotic assistance for gait training in children with cerebral palsy. a systematic review]. / Efectividad de la asistencia robótica para el entrenamiento de la marcha en niños con parálisis cerebral. Una revisión sistemática.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, the use of gait training using robotic assistance systems has progressively increased in the paediatric population with cerebral palsy. OBJECTIVE: To systematically assess the effects of robotic assistance for gait training compared with physical rehabilitation therapy in children with cerebral palsy (CP), based on the International Classification of Functioning, Health and Disability (ICF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was carried out according to the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration. We included randomised or quasi-randomised clinical trials that analysed children with CP classified according to The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) I-III. The search was carried out in PubMed, PEDro, CENTRAL, CINALH, Cochrane, Embase, Europe PMC, LILACS and Science Direct. The selection and extraction of data from the studies was carried out by two independent researchers. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. A descriptive analysis of the selected studies was performed. Assessment of risk of bias was performed with the Cochrane Collaboration tool. RESULTS: Four studies met the eligibility criteria. Most of the temporal-spatial, kinetic and kinematic parameters of gait were evaluated, all corresponding to the activity component of the ICF. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the methodological variability of the studies, it is not possible to determine whether robot-assisted gait training is effective for treatment in children with CP.

Severity of Cerebral Palsy-The Impact of Associated Impairments.

OBJECTIVE: This article describes associated impairments in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and its subtypes. METHOD: Children born between 1990 and 2006 recorded in the Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe common database were studied. An "impairment index" characterized severity of impairments and their combinations. RESULTS: Amongst the 11,015 children analyzed, 56% (n = 5,968) could walk unaided, 54% (4,972) had normal or near-normal intellect (intelligence quotient ≥ 70). Except for ataxic CP, associated impairments were less frequent when walking ability was preserved. The impairment index was low (walking unaided and normal or near-normal intellect) in 30% of cases; 54% (n = 1,637) in unilateral spastic, 24% (n = 79) in ataxic, 18% (n = 913) in bilateral spastic, and 7% (n = 50) in dyskinetic CP. Around 40% had a high impairment index (inability to walk and/or severe intellectual impairment ± additional impairments)-highest in dyskinetic (77%, n = 549) and bilateral spastic CP (54%, n = 2,680). The impairment index varied little in birth weight and gestational age groups. However, significantly fewer cases in the birth weight group ≤ 1,000 g or gestational age group ≤ 27 weeks had a low impairment index compared to the other birth weight and gestational age groups (23 and 24% vs. between 27 and 32%). CONCLUSION: Thirty percent of the children with CP had a low impairment index (they were able to walk unaided and had a normal or near-normal intellect). Severity in CP was strongly associated to subtype, whereas the association was weak with birth weight or gestational age.

The Origin of the Cerebral Palsies: Contribution of Population-Based Neuroimaging Data.

BACKGROUND: Surveillance of cerebral palsy in Europe (SCPE) presents the first population-based results on neuroimaging findings in children with cerebral palsy (CP) using a magnetic resonance imaging classification system (MRICS). METHOD: MRIs of children with CP born between 1999 and 2009 from 18 European countries were analyzed. MRICS identifies patterns of brain pathology according to timing during brain development which was analyzed with respect to CP subtypes and gestational age. RESULTS: MRIs or written reports from 3,818 children were available. The main clinical characteristics were similar to the 5,415 without such data. Most frequent was predominant white matter injury (49%), followed by predominant gray matter injury (21%). Maldevelopments were found in 11% of cases. Miscellaneous findings were present in 8.5% and normal findings in 10.6%. MRI patterns of children with unilateral spastic, bilateral spastic, and dyskinetic CP were mainly lesional (77, 71, and 59%, respectively), whereas children with ataxic CP had more maldevelopments, miscellaneous, and normal findings (25, 21, and 32%, respectively). In children born preterm, predominant white matter injury was most prevalent (80% in children born <32 weeks of gestation). CONCLUSION: Analysis of MRI in the European CP database identified CP as a mainly lesional condition on a large population basis, maldevelopments were relatively uncommon. An exception was ataxic CP. Children born preterm mostly presented with a lesion typical for their gestational age (GA) at birth. The decreasing prevalence of CP in this group suggests that progress in perinatal and neonatal medicine may lead to a reduction of these lesions.

Movement Disorders - Childhood Rating Scale 4-18 revised in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: Movement Disorders - Childhood Rating Scale for age 4-18 (MD-CRS 4-18) is a tool aimed to evaluate movement disorders in developmental age, validated since 2008 and applied in the literature. Psychometric properties, including inter- and intra-reliability and construct validity have been evaluated over time on children and adolescents with different types of movement disorders. AIM: The aim of the study is to revise the Movement Disorders - Childhood Rating Scale 4-18 (MD-CRS 4-18 R) and evaluate its psychometric properties, compared to previous version of the scale, in dyskinetic cerebral palsy. DESIGN: This is a measurement-focused study of video recorder sessions. SETTING: Video session carried out inpatient and outpatient. POPULATION: This measurement-focused study was carried out on a cohort of 57 participants with DCP (37 males; mean age 9 years and 6 months ±3 years and 8 months) evaluated through video-recorded sessions by experienced scorers using MD-CRS 4-18 and MR-CRS 4-18 R. METHODS: Inter-rater reliability, intra-rater reliability of MD-CRS 4-18 and MD-CRS 4-18 R were performed. RESULTS: This study supports the relevant contribution of MD-CRS 4-18 R to identify the severity of movement disorders in dyskinetic cerebral palsy, as indicated by the higher ICC values on Index II compared to previous MD-CRS 4-18 results. Standard Error Measurement (SEM) and Minimally Detectable Difference (MDD) of MD-CRS 4-18 R in DCP were all very low, with SEMs ranging from 0.01 to 0.02 and MDD from 0.03 to 0.06. CONCLUSIONS: Data obtained with MD-CRS 4-18 R are in accordance with previous scale on individuals with movement disorders due to different etiologies, tested with MD-CRS 4-18. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: MD-CRS 4-18 R is able to verify natural history of the disease and represents a standardized clinical outcome measure in the evaluation and follow-up of children with DCP. Also MD-CRS 4-18 Revised form is a feasible tool, now easier to understand than the previous one, more available for incoming clinical trials.

Clinical features and aetiology of cerebral palsy in children from Cross River State, Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: There are few studies on cerebral palsy (CP) in African children and our study aimed to describe the aetiology, characteristics and severity of CP in children from Nigeria. DESIGN: A population-based study using key informant methodology (KIM) was conducted as part of a clinical research trial. Children aged 4-15 years were clinically assessed for CP. RESULTS: The estimated prevalence of CP using KIM was 2.3/1000 children (95% CI 2.0 to 2.5/1000). 388 children were diagnosed with CP, with Gross Motor Function Classification System level 1 in 70 (18.1%), II in 156 (40.2%), III in 54 (13.9%), IV in 54 (13.9%), V in 54 (13.9%). 300/388 (77.3%) had Manual Ability Classification Scale of level 1-3 and 88 (22.7%) of level 4-5. CP types were spastic in 271 (70%), with 60% of these bilateral and 40% unilateral, ataxic 38 (9.8%), dystonic 18 (4.6%), choreoathetoid 29 (7.5%) and unclassifiable 32 (8.3%). Postneonatal risk factors for CP were seen in 140 (36.1%) children including malaria with seizures 101/140 (72.1%), malaria with coma 21/140 (15.0%), meningitis 12/140 (8.6%), tuberculosis 2/140 (1.4%), sickle cell disease 3/140 (2.2%), HIV 1/221 (0.7%). Prenatal/perinatal risk factors were seen in 248 (63.9%%), birth asphyxia 118 (47.6%) and clinical congenital rubella syndrome 8 (3.3%) and hyperbilirubinaemia 59 (23.8%) were identified as preventable risk factors for CP. CONCLUSION: The profile of CP in this population is similar to that found in other low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC). Some risk factors identified were preventable. Prevention and management strategies for CP designed for LMIC are needed.

Defining Functional Therapy in Research Involving Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review.

Aim: To review definitions and elements of interventions in studies, which used the word "functional" to describe their intervention for children with cerebral palsy (CP), and to determine whether definitions and elements are similar to criteria of functional therapy described in the Dutch Guidelines.Methods: Systematic review of intervention studies, which used the word "functional" to describe interventions for children with CP. We described criteria of functional therapy that were used to describe the intervention, and whether criteria were described similarly to the descriptions used in the Dutch Guidelines.Results: Of the 27 included studies, criteria "based on the activities/participation level of the ICF-CY", "goal-directed" and "context-specific" were referred to the most (40-59.3%). Descriptions of these criteria were less comparable to the suggested definition (43.8-69.2%). The remaining three criteria ("active involvement", "task-specific", and "focused on functionality instead of normality") were referred to less frequently (18.5-33.3%). The descriptions reported for these criteria were, however, the most comparable with the suggested definitions (80-100%).Conclusions: The included studies, in general have not used criteria of functional therapy. Future studies have to describe the elements of interventions in detail. Moreover, it is important to reach consensus on the definition and elements of functional therapy.

Ease of Caregiving for Children: Re-Validation of Psychometric Properties of the Measure for Children with Cerebral Palsy up to 11 Years of Age.

Purpose: To re-validate stability and hierarchal ordering of items, test-retest reliability, and construct validity of the Ease of Caregiving for Children measure for parents of children with cerebral palsy (CP) up to 11 years of age.Methods: Participants were 613 parents of children with CP between 1.5 and 11 years of age. Parents completed Ease of Caregiving for Children and both parents and therapists classified children's levels of gross motor, manual and communication functions.Results: Rasch analysis indicated acceptable fit of items, stable item calibration, and logical ordering of items by difficulty. Test-retest reliability was good: ICC = 0.69 (95% CI 0.52-0.81). For construct validity, ease of caregiving was higher for parents of children with higher functioning compared to parents of children with lower functioning, p < .001.Conclusions: Ease of Caregiving for Children is a unidimensional, reliable and valid measure of physical caregiving for parents of children with CP 1.5-11 years.