This research studied falls in ambulatory children and adults with CP specifically asking how often they’ve fallen, fall-related injuries experienced, circumstances around the fall, the level of fear or concern about future falls, and the extent to which they do or don’t avoid certain activities due to their concern about falling. This study sets a strong foundation for future fall research, quantifying the breadth and depth of the problem across a large spectrum of age and walking ability.
The GMFCS can be a helpful tool in clinical and research use and has been shown to be stable and accurate over time. It can also help individuals and families better understand cerebral palsy.
Though the initial insult or injury to the brain that causes cerebral palsy is non-progressive, aging with cerebral palsy and lack of physical activity during critical periods of development can impact biologic and metabolic function for adults with cerebral palsy.
There are multiple factors that impact bone health, including birth weight, nutrition, medications for seizures and/or reflux, genetics, and physical activity. Targeted exercise to improve bone health in childhood can be sustained into adulthood, and childhood is the best time to promote bone health.