Better detection of reduced motor functioning in brain tumor survivors based on objective motor assessments: an incentive for improved standardized follow-up

Long-term sequelae are well-known in childhood brain tumor survivors, but motor functioning remains poorly described. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess objective motor functioning, patient-specific risk factors, and parental perceptions. Fifty-two childhood brain tumor patients (pilocytic astrocytoma, medulloblastoma, and other types) who were at least 6 months out of treatment were evaluated. Mean age at testing was 11.7 years. Objective motor functioning was assessed with the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC-2-NL) and/or Bruininks-Oseretsky test of motor proficiency (BOT-2). Functional walking capacity was assessed with the 6-min walk test (6MWT). Parent-reported motor functioning was addressed using the ABILHAND-Kids, ABILOCO-Kids questionnaires, and a standardized anamnesis. Patients showed impaired motor functioning in all domains (p < 0.001). Regarding risk factors, younger age at diagnosis (< 5 year) was significantly associated with lower scores on body coordination (p = 0.006). Adjuvant treatment resulted in lower scores for fine manual control of the BOT-2 (p = 0.024) and balance of MABC-2-NL (p = 0.036). Finally, questionnaires revealed an underestimation of motor problems as perceived by the parents. In conclusion, many children who are in follow-up for a brain tumor show impaired motor functioning on multiple aspects, with younger age at diagnosis and adjuvant treatment as specific risk factors. Based on the questionnaires and anamnesis, motor problems appear to be underestimated by the parents. Conclusion: These findings point to the need for timely prospective screening of motor functioning. Based on a screening assessment, adequate rehabilitation programs can be applied in childhood brain tumor survivors, aiming to reduce the adverse impact on their daily lives, both for functional activities and cardiovascular fitness. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00431-022-04472-1.