Distribution of contractures and spinal malalignments in adolescents with cerebral palsy: observations and influences of function, gender and age.

Objective: To describe distributions of contracture and spinal malalignment in adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) and determine associations with age, gender and function.

Methods: Data were collected using the Spinal Alignment and Range of Motion Measure (SAROMM), the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Activity Scale for Kids (ASK).

Results: Two hundred and twenty-five adolescents (122 males; mean age 14 years 8 months; SD 1 year 8 months) participated. SAROMM scores by GMFCS levels and item scores in various body regions are presented. Correlations between indices of function and SAROMM total score were >0.70 (p<0.001). Males in GMFCS levels I/V obtained higher total SAROMM scores than females. Age was significantly associated with SAROMM scores for GMFCS levels IV/V participants.

Conclusions: These data provide benchmarks for evaluating impairments in adolescents with CP and support the role of function in contracture development and possibly prevention. Gender and age were factors that modified outcomes.