Validated predictive equations based on tibial length in estimating height for children with cerebral palsy for 2-18 years, across all GMFCS levels.

Abstract

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) typically suffer from congenital deformities, such as scoliosis and contractures, therefore, it is a challenge to measure the stature of CP children. Studies have suggested that predictive equations based on tibia length (TL) may be used as an alternative method in measuring the actual height or stature. The present study aimed to develop and validate predictive equations based on TL for CP children in Malaysia across all five levels of gross motor functions (GMFCS I to V) through a cross-sectional study. All subjects were recruited from Hospitals and Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) in the central and southern regions of Malaysia. Two predictive equation models were developed using multiple linear regression. For Model 1, the predictive equation was developed based on TL. On the other hand, Model 2 was developed based on TL with age was included. A flexible Seca measuring tape was used to measure the stature and TL. CP children aged 2-18 years were classified into the equation development group (EDG), n 177 and the validation group (VG), n 139. Model 1, Height = 32⋅3 + 3⋅14 (TL), demonstrated a strong correlation with the actual height (R2 0⋅834), small SEE (1⋅42), and high intra correlation coefficient (0⋅929). The findings suggested that Model 1 was more accurate in estimating the height of CP children aged 2-18 years. This model was shown to suit the Malaysian population and applicable across all GMFCS levels.