Article

The aim of this study was to assess the onset of forward parachute reaction
(FPR) in infants with brain lesions and its correlation with age of walking.
METHOD: FPR was assessed at 6, 9, and 12 months in 140 infants with brain lesions
(78 males, 62 females; mean gestational age 31 wks; SD 3.6 wks; mean birthweight
1450 g, SD 252 g). On cranial ultrasound 62 infants had mild and 78 had major
abnormalities; 86 developed cerebral palsy. All were followed for 5 years, and
the age at which each child achieved independent walking was recorded. Infants
who had been born small for gestational age (weight <10th centile) were excluded,
as were those who had major congenital malformations, severe postnatal infectious
diseases, or metabolic or haematological complications. RESULTS: A complete FPR
was present in eight infants at 6 months, in 42 at 9 months, and in 71 at 12
months. At 12 months, 29 infants presented incomplete FPR and 40 presented absent
FPR. Seventy-three infants were able to walk independently between the ages of 11
months and 60 months (67 with complete FPR and six with incomplete FPR at 12 mo).
A complete FPR at 12 months was a good predictor of independent walking. The age
at onset of complete FPR was also a good predictor of age of walking.
INTERPRETATION: The late acquisition of a complete FPR appears to be an early
sign of a more general delayed maturation of functional abilities.
CI - (c) The Authors. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology (c) 2011 Mac Keith
Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS