Will my child with cerebral palsy run?

Many times as therapists, parents, and teachers may ask will my child with cerebral palsy run? Of course, we first get the question will they learn to walk but soon after running is the new goal. Recent research highlighted key points to help predict the ability to run in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. Keep in mind though that are all children are unique and accomplish new skills at their own pace. Never give up on a skill that a child is highly motivated to achieve.

Methodology of the Study in Running in Children with Cerebral Palsy

The participants included 280 children and adolescents with spastic Cerebral Palsy, Gross Motor Function Classification System Level II were included to determine the prevalence of the ability to run and to identify contributing factors. An instrumented running analysis was used to define the ability to run. Once it was determined if a child could run or not run the researchers compared the participants’ clinical measures of spasticity, weakness, and postural control.

Results of the Study of Running in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Using logistic regression analysis, the researchers determined the following:

the ability to run was significantly higher in children with unilateral (67%) compared to bilateral (55%) cerebral palsy.
significant differences between runners and non-runners were found for spasticity, body mass index and postural control.
there was no significant difference between runners and non-runners for muscle strength.
the best predictors for being able to run were lower muscle rectus femoris spasticity, higher muscle gastrocnemius spasticity and enhanced postural control.

The researchers concluded that clinical decision making should include determining the child’s running ability. In addition, it is important to remember that spasticity and postural control affect the ability to run.

Reference: Böhm, H., Wanner, P., Rethwilm, R., & Döderlein, L. (2018). Prevalence and predictors for the ability to run in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. Clinical Biomechanics.

Read Will My Child with Cerebral Palsy Learn to Walk?

Read more on the Development of Motor Skills – Running

Teaching Motor Skills to Children with Cerebral Palsy and Similar Movement Disorders: The ELECTRONIC version of Teaching Motor Skills is a must-have reference for all therapists who work with children with cerebral palsy. Whether you are a beginner or experienced therapist you will find the information concise, informative and very helpful to carry out everyday functional tasks including stretching with children with cerebral palsy. The book provides activity suggestions throughout the developmental sequence such as head control, tummy time, sitting, transitions, walking and beyond. There is also great information that reviews additional interventions for children with cerebral palsy such as bracing, surgical and medical management. The author, Sieglinde Martin, is an experienced PT and a mother of a child with cerebral palsy. FIND OUT MORE.

Therapeutic Play Activities for Children digital download includes 100 play activity pages and 12 tip sheets. The play activities encourage the development of fine motor skills, bimanual skills, rolling, crawling, tall kneeling, standing balance and cruising with a strong focus on children with cerebral palsy. FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION.

August 12, 2018/by yourtherapysource

Will my child with cerebral palsy run?