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3255215 
Journal Article 
Australian Cerebral Palsy Child Study: protocol of a prospective population based study of motor and brain development of preschool aged children with cerebral palsy 
Boyd, RN; Jordan, R; Pareezer, L; Moodie, A; Finn, C; Luther, B; Arnfield, E; Pym, A; Craven, A; Beall, P; Weir, K; Kentish, M; Wynter, M; Ware, R; Fahey, M; Rawicki, B; Mckinlay, L; Guzzetta, A 
2013 
Yes 
BMC Neurology
ISSN: 1471-2377
EISSN: 14712377 
13 
English 
23758951 
WOS:000320610200001 
Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) results from a static brain
lesion during pregnancy or early life and remains the most common cause of physical disability in
children (1 in 500). While the brain lesion is static, the physical manifestations and medical
issues may progress resulting in altered motor patterns. To date, there are no prospective
longitudinal studies of CP that follow a birth cohort to track early gross and fine motor
development and use Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to determine the anatomical pattern and
likely timing of the brain lesion. Existing studies do not consider treatment costs and outcomes.
This study aims to determine the pathway(s) to motor outcome from diagnosis at 18 months
corrected age (c.a.) to outcome at 5 years in relation to the nature of the brain lesion (using
structural MRI). Methods: This prospective cohort study aims to recruit a total of 240 children
diagnosed with CP born in Victoria (birth years 2004 and 2005) and Queensland (birth years 2006-
2009). Children can enter the study at any time between 18 months to 5 years of age and will be
assessed at 18, 24, 30, 36, 48 and 60 months c.a. Outcomes include gross motor function (GMFM-66
& GMFM-88), Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS); musculoskeletal development (hip
displacement, spasticity, muscle contracture), upper limb function (Manual Ability Classification
System), communication difficulties using Communication and Symbolic Behaviour Scales-
Developmental Profile (CSBS-DP), participation using the Paediatric Evaluation of Disability
Inventory (PEDI), parent reported quality of life and classification of medical and allied health
resource use and determination of the aetiology of CP using clinical evaluation combined with
MRI. The relationship between the pathways to motor outcome and the nature of the brain lesion
will be analysed using multiple methods including non-linear modelling, multilevel mixed-effects
models and generalised estimating equations. Discussion: This protocol describes a large
population-based study of early motor development and brain structure in a representative sample
of preschool aged children with CP, using direct clinical assessment. The results of this study
will be published in peer reviewed journals and presented at relevant international conferences. 
Cerebral palsy; Protocol; Longitudinal cohort; Motor development; Brain structure and function; Communication; Hip displacement; Preschool age; Gross motor function