Affiliations: [a] Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| [b] Elsass Foundation, Charlottenlund, Denmark
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: Helle Hüche Larsen, Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Panum Institute 33.3, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark. Tel.:+45 26573438; E-mail: [email protected].
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disturbance characterized by impaired control of movement. Function often decreases and 15% of adults are classified as severely affected (Gross Motor Function Classification Scale III-V). Little is known about interventions that aim to improve functional abilities in this population. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate a 12-week intervention based on motor learning principles on functional ability in adults with severe CP. METHODS:16 adults (36±10 years, GMFCS III-V) were enrolled and divided into an intervention group (Active group) and a standard care group (Control group). Primary outcome measure was Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88). Secondary measures were neurological status. The Active group were measured at baseline, after the intervention and at one-month follow-up. The Control group were measured at baseline and after one month. RESULTS:Analysis showed statistically significant improvement in GMFM-88 for the Active group from baseline to post assessment compared with the Control group (group difference: 5 points, SE 14.5, p = 0.008, CI: 1.2 to 8.7). Improvements were maintained at follow-up. Results from the neurological screening showed no clear tendencies. CONCLUSIONS:The study provides support that activities based on motor learning principles may improve gross motor function in adults with severe CP.
Keywords: Motor learning, motor function, neurorehabilitation, rehabilitation, training, neuroplasticity, cerebral palsy
