Functional Gains in Children With Spastic Hemiplegia Following a Tendon Achilles Lengthening Using Computerized Adaptive Testing—A Pilot Study

PURPOSE: This pilot study evaluated the outcomes of tendon Achilles lengthening in 12 children (mean age: 11.2 years) with spastic hemiplegia. METHODS: Cerebral Palsy Computer Adaptive Tests, the timed up-and-go, the Gross Motor Function Measure, the Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire, and the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument were administered at baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 months postsurgery. RESULTS: Significant improvement at the latest follow-up (12-24 months following surgery) was seen in all domains of the Cerebral Palsy Computer Adaptive Test: activity (P = .017), lower extremity (P = .005), global (P = .005), pain (P = .005), and fatigue (P = .028), as well as in the Gross Motor Function Measure-standing domain (P = .02) and the mobility domain of the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (P = .04). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that the tendon Achilles lengthening improved functional outcome in these children as measured by tests of physical function, walking speed, and activity performance.