The early motor repertoire is related to the level of self mobility in children with cerebral palsy at school age

Aim: To determine the predictive value of the early motor repertoire for the level of self-mobility in children with cerebral palsy (CP) at school age. Methods: Video-recordings were made at 11-17 weeks post-term of 37 preterm infants (20 male/17 female) who later developed CP. The early motor repertoire was assessed by obtaining a motor optimality score. At 6-12 years, children were classifi ed according to the Gross Motor Function Classifi cation System (GMFCS). Results: Of 37 children (gestational ages: 29.1weeks [SD 1.9], birth-weights 1273g [SD 324]) nine had unilateral and 28 had bilateral spastic CP. Twelve children had GMFCS-level I, three level II, ten level III, four level IV and eight had level V. The absence of the age-adequate motor repertoire, a cramped motor repertoire, an abnormal kicking pattern, and a non-fl at posture were associated with lower levels of self-mobility (Chi2-for-trend-test, p<0.05). Predictive for a low level of self-mobility was a cramped motor repertoire/ non-fl at posture (PPV 100%, NPV 54%). Predictive for a high level of self-mobility was a non-cramped repertoire/ fl at posture (PPV 80%, NPV 74%). Interpretation: Several aspects of the motor repertoire at 11-17 weeks post-term predicted the degree of functional limitations in children with CP at school age.