Reduced brainstem volume is associated with mobility impairments in youth with cerebral palsy

Abstract

BackgroundPersons with cerebral palsy (CP) have impaired mobility that has been attributed to changes in structure and function within the nervous system. The brainstem is a region that plays a critical role in mobility by connecting the cortex and cerebellum to the spinal cord, yet this region has been largely unstudied in persons with CP. Research questionWe used high-resolution structural MRI and biomechanical analyses to examine whether the volume of the whole brainstem and its constituent elements are altered in CP and if these alterations relate to the mobility impairments within this population. MethodsA cohort study was conducted to assess the volume of the whole brainstem, pons, midbrain, medulla, and superior cerebellar peduncle in a cohort of persons with CP (N = 26; Age = 16.3 ± 1.0 years; GMFCS levels I-IV, Females = 12) and a cohort of neurotypical (NT) controls (N = 38; Age = 14.3 ± 0.4 years, Females = 14) using structural MR imaging of the brainstem. Outside the scanner, a digital mat was used to quantify the spatiotemporal gait biomechanics of these individuals. ResultsWe found a significant decrease in volume of the total brainstem, midbrain, and pons in persons with CP in comparison to the NT controls. Furthermore, we found that the altered volumes were related to reduced gait velocity and step length. SignificanceThe structural changes in the brainstems of persons with CP may contribute to the mobility impairments that are ubiquitous within this population.