Functional Gains in Children With Spastic Hemiplegia Following a Tendon Achilles Lengthening Using Computerized Adaptive Testing—A Pilot Study. (12th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Saleh, Eli; Dahan-Oliel, Noémi; Montpetit, Kathleen; Benaroch, Thierry; Yap, Rita; Barakat, Nadia; Mulcahey, M. J.
• Is Part Of: Child neurology open. Volume 5(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-11-12
• Subjects: spastic hemiplegia -- computer adaptive testing -- functional outcomes -- tendon Achilles lengthening; Pediatric neurology -- Periodicals; 618.928005
• DOI: 10.1177/2329048X18811452
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2329-048X

Abstract

Purpose: This pilot study evaluated the outcomes of tendon Achilles lengthening in 12 children (mean age: 11.2 years) with spastic hemiplegia. Methods: Cerebral Palsy Computer Adaptive Tests, the timed up-and-go, the Gross Motor Function Measure, the Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire, and the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument were administered at baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 months postsurgery. Results: Significant improvement at the latest follow-up (12-24 months following surgery) was seen in all domains of the Cerebral Palsy Computer Adaptive Test: activity ( P = .017), lower extremity ( P = .005), global ( P = .005), pain ( P = .005), and fatigue ( P = .028), as well as in the Gross Motor Function Measure-standing domain ( P = .02) and the mobility domain of the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument ( P = .04). Conclusion: These findings indicate that the tendon Achilles lengthening improved functional outcome in these children as measured by tests of physical function, walking speed, and activity performance.