Your Therapy Source Magazine for Pediatric Therapists March 2016 | Page 8

Will My Child with Cerebral Palsy Walk?

If you are a pediatric physical therapist who works with young children you have most likely
been asked by parents “will my child with cerebral palsy walk?” Many times the response is
based on evaluation results, clinical experience and research. Here is some recent research
from Physical Therapy to consider when you are asked this question.
The recent study included 80 children with cerebral palsy (GMFCS levels II and III) ages 2-6
years. Postural control, reciprocal lower limb movement, functional strength, motivation and
family support were all measured 7 months to one year prior to attainment of walking.
The results indicated the following:
 a measure of functional strength and dynamic postural control in a sit-to-stand activity was

the only significant predictor of taking ≥3 steps independently.
 the positive likelihood ratio for predicting a “walker” was 3.26, and the negative likelihood

ratio was 0.74.
 the model correctly identified a walker or “nonwalker” 75% of the time.
The researchers concluded that the ability to transfer from sitting to standing and from standing
to sitting predicted independent walking in young children with CP. Additional studies were
recommended to establish indicators of when children with CP are ready for independent
walking.
Reference:Denise M. Begnoche, Lisa A. Chiarello, Robert J. Palisano, Edward J. Gracely, Sarah Westcott McCoy,
and Margo N. Orlin. Predictors of Independent Walking in Young Children With Cerebral Palsy. PHYS THER
February 2016 96:183-192; published ahead of print June 18, 2015, doi:10.2522/ptj.20140315

Teaching Motor Skills to Children with Cerebral
Palsy and Similar Movement Disorders – A Guide
for Parents and Professionals.
Find out more
http://yourtherapysource.com/CPmotorskills.html

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