Mobility development of children, adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy in high-, and low-/middle-income countries: a scoping review.

PURPOSE: To review research on mobility development in children, adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy (CP).

METHODS

This scoping review included longitudinal studies on mobility development of children and young people (19-21 years) with CP. Findings were reported considering mobility capacity and performance of individuals with CP, observed in low- and middle- or high-income countries. The results were analyzed by two physicians and a mother of a child with CP, using Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) strategy.

RESULTS

Eleven studies included 3,047 individuals with CP. Lower Gross Motor Function Classification Measure (GMFCS) levels were associated with better mobility capacity and performance. Additionally, the lower the GMFCS level, the more stability is achieved at older ages. Ten studies in high-income countries showed that mobility capacity stabilized before performance. The only study conducted in a low-income country showed a decline in mobility capacity in early adolescence.

INTERPRETATIONS: The development of mobility capacity and performance may be related to the presence of different contextual factors in socioeconomically diverse countries. The findings of this review are important for sharing, discussing, and managing mobility development patterns with family members.