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Adults with cerebral palsy: a survey describing problems, needs, and resources, with special emphasis on locomotion

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 February 2001

Christina Andersson
Affiliation:
Department of Physical Therapy, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.
Eva Mattsson
Affiliation:
Department of Physical Therapy, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.
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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe problems and resources of adults with cerebral palsy (CP) with special emphasis on locomotion. A questionnaire concerning demographic facts, locomotion, musculoskeletal problems, and present physical activity was mailed to 363 adults with CP. Two hundred and twenty-one adults, (125 male and 96 female; mean age 36 years, range 20 to 58 years) answered the questionnaire. Seventy-seven per cent reported problems with spasticity. Eighty-four per cent lived in their own apartments, with or without home services. Twenty-four per cent worked full-time and 18% had full disability pension. Twenty-seven per cent had never been able to walk, 64% could walk with or without walking aids, 35% reported decreased walking ability, and 9% had stopped walking. Eighty per cent reported contractures and 18% had pain every day. Approximately 60% were regularly physically active, and despite their disability, 54% considered that they were not limited in their ability to move about in the community.

Type
Original Articles
Copyright
© 2001 Mac Keith Press

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