Functional deterioration in adults with cerebral palsy

Objective: To examine the problem of functional deterioration of patients with cerebral palsy. Subjects: Adults with cerebral palsy who work at community workshops throughout Japan. Settings: Interviews combined with physical examinations. In the first part of the study a survey was conducted, to which 686 patients responded. In the second part, physicians conducted physical examinations on 163 patients. In the third part, the patients who had been examined in the second part were studied. Results: Functional deterioration was noted in approximately 35% of adult patients with cerebral palsy; it was higher among those with involuntary movements of the head and neck and abnormal movement patterns during locomotion. Deterioration was also noted among those who reported an inadequate work environment, such as poor posture during work and unsuitability of the desk, chairs and tools. Deterioration over a five-year period was noted in 8 of 122 patients. Conclusion: Although the factors intrinsic to cerebral palsy are often responsible for the functional deterioration, environmental factors are not to be taken lightly if functional deterioration is to be prevented.