Premium
The effect of height, weight and head circumference on gross motor development in achondroplasia
Author(s) -
Ireland Penelope Jane,
Ware Robert S,
Donaghey Samantha,
McGill James,
Zankl Andreas,
Pacey Verity,
Ault Jenny,
Savarirayan Ravi,
Sillence David,
Thompson Elizabeth,
Townshend Sharron,
Johnston Leanne M
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/jpc.12078
Subject(s) - achondroplasia , medicine , gross motor skill , psychomotor learning , population , physical therapy , motor skill , physical medicine and rehabilitation , pediatrics , head circumference , birth weight , demography , environmental health , psychiatry , genetics , pregnancy , cognition , sociology , biology
Purpose This study aimed to investigate whether height, weight, head circumference and/or relationships between these factors are associated with gross motor milestone acquisition in children with achondroplasia. Method Population‐based data regarding timing of major gross motor milestones up to 5 years were correlated with height, weight and head circumference at birth and 12 months in 48 children with achondroplasia born in A ustralia and N ew Z ealand between 2000 and 2009. Results Although as a group children with achondroplasia showed delayed gross motor skill acquisition, within group differences in height, weight or head circumference did not appear to influence timing of gross motor skills before 5 years. The exception was lie to sit transitioning, which appears likely to occur earlier if the child is taller and heavier at 12 months, and later if the child has significant head‐to‐body disproportion. Conclusions This is the first study to investigate the relationship between common musculoskeletal impairments associated with achondroplasia and timing of gross motor achievement. Identification of the musculoskeletal factors that exacerbate delays in transitioning from lying to sitting will assist clinicians to provide more proactive assessment, advice and intervention regarding motor skill acquisition for this population.