Article

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the number of musculoskeletal pain sites in adults with
spastic cerebral palsy, to correlate these with physical and mental components of
health-related quality of life, and to describe changes in pain site prevalence
over 7 years and the factors improving or worsening the pain. DESIGN: Seven-year
follow-up of a national survey of adults with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). SUBJECTS/PATIENTS:
A total of 149 persons: 46% spastic bilateral CP, 54%
unilateral CP, 51% females, mean age 40 years. METHODS: Pain sites were recorded
and physical and mental component summaries computed using Short Form 36.
RESULTS: The median number of pain sites was 3. The mental components showed
little, if any correlation (r= -0.08), but the physical components correlated
negatively with the number of pain sites (r= -0.36). Back, neck and foot/ankle
pain were most common, with an increased prevalence of neck pain. A higher
prevalence of hip and foot/ankle pain was found in spastic bilateral CP, and for
all pain sites in females. Exertion and physiotherapy were the most important
factors for increased and reduced pain, respectively. CONCLUSION: In contrast to
the general population, there was hardly any correlation between the number of
pain sites and psychological health. Improved pain management, evidence-based
physiotherapy and rehabilitation programmes with a life-span perspective are
recommended.

Langue : ANGLAIS