Baseline Range of Motion, Strength, Motor Function, and Participation in Youth with Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome

AIMS

Limited information is available on impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions in youth with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), a rare genetic premature aging disease. The purposes were to: (1) describe range of motion (ROM), grip, pinch and quadriceps strength, functional balance, walking endurance, and gross motor limitations and participation restrictions; (2) evaluate the association between ROM impairments and age; and (3) evaluate the association between the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM) scores and lower extremity (LE) ROM, quadriceps strength, and age.

METHODS

Upper and LE ROM, grip, pinch and quadriceps strength, Timed Up and Go (TUG), Six Minute Walk Test, GMFM-88, and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure data were recorded for 38 participants with HGPS.

RESULTS

All youth exhibited ROM impairments and most displayed decreased grip and pinch strength, walking endurance, and gross motor skills when compared to same-aged peers. However, the majority had good functional balance with TUG scores in the normal range. Participation restrictions included difficulty keeping up with peers when walking and difficulty completing activities of daily living. Some ROM measurements were negatively associated with age indicating that older participants had more extensive ROM limitation than younger participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical and occupational therapists can use this information when evaluating youth with HGPS, designing a plan of care, and providing treatment interventions.