Distribution and motor ability of children with cerebral palsy in Scotland: a registry analysis

• Published in: Scottish medical journal Vol. 64; no. 1; p. 16
• Main Authors: Bugler, Kate E, Gaston, Mark S, Robb, James E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Scotland 01.02.2019
• Subjects: Cerebral Palsy - epidemiology; Cerebral Palsy - physiopathology; Child; Disability Evaluation; Female; Humans; Male; Motor Activity; Prevalence; Registries; Scotland - epidemiology; Severity of Illness Index; Scotland; Cerebral palsy; children; motor ability; demographics
• ISSN: 0036-9330
• DOI: 10.1177/0036933018805897

Cerebral palsy is the commonest long-term physical disability in children with a prevalence of between 1.77 and 2.11/1000 live births. In 2013, the Cerebral Palsy Integrated Pathway Scotland (CPIPS) surveillance programme was introduced in all 14 Health Boards in Scotland and provides a standardised musculoskeletal examination of the spine and lower limbs. The purpose of this study was to report the prevalence, subtypes, motor classification and motor ability of children with cerebral palsy in Scotland. The family/carer's postal address, the child's neurological classification, motor subtypes, Gross Motor Functional Classification (GMFCS) Level and Functional Mobility Scale of 1972 children at first registration in CPIPS 2013-2018 were analysed. Their mean age at first assessment was 7.6 years. There was an overall prevalence of cerebral palsy in Scotland of 2.02/1000. GMFCS levels and Functional Mobility Scale data and prevalence were reported by Health Board and were comparable to that reported elsewhere. For the first time, data are available on the motor abilities of the total population of children with cerebral palsy in Scotland. This information will be highly relevant to resource management of current and future motor needs of these children.