Functional Gains in Children With Spastic Hemiplegia Following a Tendon Achilles Lengthening Using Computerized Adaptive Testing—A Pilot Study

Abstract

Purpose This pilot study evaluated the outcomes of tendon Achilles lengthening in 12 children (mean age: 11.2 years) with spastic hemiplegia. Methods Cerebral Palsy Computer Adaptive Tests, the timed up-and-go, the Gross Motor Function Measure, the Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire, and the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument were administered at baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 months postsurgery. Results Significant improvement at the latest follow-up (12-24 months following surgery) was seen in all domains of the Cerebral Palsy Computer Adaptive Test: activity (P = .017), lower extremity (P = .005), global (P = .005), pain (P = .005), and fatigue (P = .028), as well as in the Gross Motor Function Measure-D domain (P = .02) and the mobility domain of the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (P = .04). Conclusion These findings indicate that the tendon Achilles lengthening improved functional outcome in these children as measured by tests of physical function, walking speed, and activity performance.