6,275
Views
10
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Research Papers

Preferred posture in lying and its association with scoliosis and windswept hips in adults with cerebral palsy

ORCID Icon, ORCID Icon, & ORCID Icon
Pages 3198-3202 | Received 03 Dec 2017, Accepted 19 Jun 2018, Published online: 16 Jul 2018
 

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to clarify the association of scoliosis and windswept hips with immobility, lying position, and time in lying, in adults with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 830 adults (469 males and 361 females) with a diagnosis of CP, 16–73 years, and classified at levels I–V according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Subjects’ Gross motor function classification system level, presence and severity of scoliosis, hip and knee joint range of movement, lying position, postural ability in lying, and time in lying were used to identify connections between them.

Results: Adults who are immobile in the lying position have higher odds of both scoliosis and windswept hips. Spending more than 8 h daily in the same lying position, increased the odds of having scoliosis, while lying solely in a supine position, resulted in higher odds of windswept hips.

Conclusions: The “preferred” habitual posture frequently observed in immobile adults with CP, leads to established distortion of their body shape. The results indicate the need for early introduction of appropriate posture control, in immobile individuals with CP, from a young age.

    Implications for rehabilitation

  • The preferred posture, observed in immobile adults with cerebral palsy, leads to a distortion of their body shape.

  • One in four adults with cerebral palsy use only one position when in bed.

  • The results indicate the need for early introduction of appropriate posture control in individuals unable to change position.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interests. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Centre for Clinical Research Västerås and Stiftelsen för Bistånd åt Rörelsehindrade i Skåne