Predictors for changes in various developmental outcomes of children with cerebral palsy-A longitudinal study

We aimed to identify predictors for the changes of various developmental outcomes in preschool children with cerebral palsy (CP). Participants were 78 children (49 boys, 29 girls) with CP (mean age: 3 years, 8 months; SD: 1 year, 7 months; range: 1 year to 5 years, 6 months). We examined eight potential predictors: age, sex, CP subtype, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level, selective motor control, Modified Ashworth Scale, and the spinal alignment (SA) and range of motion subscales of the Spinal Alignment and Range of Motion Measure (SAROMM). Developmental outcomes for cognition, language, self-help, and social and motor functions were measured at baseline and a 6-month follow-up with the Comprehensive Developmental Inventory for Infants and Toddlers. Regression model showed GMFCS level was a negative predictor for change of language (adjusted r2 = 0.30, p < .001), motor function (adjusted r2 = 0.26, p < .001), social function (adjusted r2 = 0.07, p = 0.014), and self-help (adjusted r2 = 0.26, p < .001). Age was a negative predictor for change of cognition (adjusted r2 = 0.21, p < .001) and language functions (adjusted r2 = 0.26, p < .001). SAROMM-SA was a negative predictor for cognitive change (adjusted r2 = 0.30, p < .001). The GMFCS levels and age are robust negative predictors for change of most developmental domains in these children.