Determinants of functional mobility in children with cerebral palsy in three different environments: A registry-based study.

Background: Functional mobility in children with cerebral palsy (CP) varies widely and is affected by many factors related to the child and environment. Understanding this variability in child's natural environments: home, school, and community; and its determinants are important for effective child management.

Methods: This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the functional mobility of children with CP within home, school, and community, and explore its determinants. Participants were 107 children with CP (aged 6.4 ± 2.9 years). Functional Mobility Scale was the outcome variable. Potential determinants included child-associated impairments and interventions. Three ordinal logistic regression analyses were conducted.

Results: Children in Gross Motor Functional Classification System-Expanded and Revised level I walked without assistive devices in all environments, while children in levels II/III used different mobility methods in different environments. Children in levels IV/V used a wheelchair or had no form of functional mobility in all environments. Determinants of mobility varied across different environments but included impairments (visual impairments, scoliosis) and interventions (Botox, medications for spasticity, orthoses).

Conclusions: Child impairments and interventions received should be considered when exploring mobility options for children with CP in different environments. Further research is needed to examine other environmental and personal factors affecting mobility.