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. METHOD: Video recordings were made at 11 to 17 weeks post-term of 37 preterm infants (20 males, 17 females) who later developed CP. The early motor repertoire was assessed by obtaining a motor optimality score. At 6 to 12 years, children were classified according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). RESULTS: Of 37 children (mean gestational age 29.1wks, SD 1.9; mean birthweight 1273g, SD 324), nine had unilateral and 28 had bilateral spastic CP. Twelve children were in GMFCS level I, three level II, 10 level III, four level IV, and eight level V. The absence of the age-adequate motor repertoire, a cramped motor repertoire, an abnormal kicking pattern, and a non-flat supine posture were associated with lower levels of self-mobility (chi(2) for trend test, p