Development of spasticity with age in a total population of children with cerebral palsy
2008

Development of Spasticity in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Sample size: 547 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Hägglund Gunnar, Wagner Philippe

Primary Institution: Lund University Hospital

Hypothesis

The study aims to analyze the development of spasticity with age in children with cerebral palsy.

Conclusion

In children with CP, muscle tone increases up to 4 years of age and then decreases up to 12 years of age.

Supporting Evidence

  • Muscle tone increases up to 4 years of age in children with spastic CP.
  • After 4 years, muscle tone decreases each year up to 12 years of age.
  • 47% of children had spasticity graded as Ashworth 2-4 at 4 years of age.
  • 23% of children had that level of spasticity after 12 years of age.

Takeaway

Kids with cerebral palsy get stiffer until they're about 4 years old, and then they start to get less stiff as they grow older.

Methodology

The study analyzed muscle tone measurements in children with CP from 0 to 15 years old using the modified Ashworth scale.

Limitations

The study may not account for all treatment effects and variations in muscle tone due to other factors.

Participant Demographics

Children with cerebral palsy aged 0 to 15 years from southern Sweden.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2474-9-150

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