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Pain in adults with cerebral palsy: A systematic review
Author(s) -
Ryan Jennifer M.,
Burke Jessica,
Byrne Rachel,
Capellari Emily,
Harvey Adrienne,
O'Connell Neil E.,
Omichinski Donna,
RodbyBousquet Elisabet,
Peterson Mark
Publication year - 2025
Publication title -
developmental medicine and child neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.658
H-Index - 143
eISSN - 1469-8749
pISSN - 0012-1622
DOI - 10.1111/dmcn.16254
Subject(s) - psychological intervention , medicine , physical therapy , cerebral palsy , intervention (counseling) , incidence (geometry) , medline , young adult , psychiatry , physics , political science , law , optics
Abstract Aim To describe the prevalence and incidence of pain, identify prognostic factors for pain, determine psychometric properties of tools to assess pain, and evaluate effectiveness of interventions for reducing pain among adults with cerebral palsy (CP). Method Six databases were searched to identify studies published since 1990 in any language that met eligibility criteria defined for each objective. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened by two independent reviewers. Results Sixty‐three studies were identified; 47 reporting prevalence, 28 reporting prognostic factors, four reporting psychometric properties, five evaluating intervention effectiveness. Pain prevalence ranged from 24% to 89%. Prevalence was higher among adults with CP than in adults without it. Communication function, sex, and age were prognostic factors for pain prevalence. Numerical, verbal, and pictorial rating scales were valid for assessing pain intensity in adults with CP. Pharmacological and surgical interventions had no effect on pain. An active lifestyle and sports intervention reduced pain in adults with CP compared with usual care. Interpretation Many adults with CP experience pain, although prevalence estimates vary considerably. The quality of evidence for prognostic factors and interventions is very low to low. There is a lack of evidence about effective pain management among adults with CP.