Adolescent Study of Quality of life, Mobility and Exercise (ASQME Study)

Investigators & Staff

• P Rosenbaum
• R Palisano
• D Bartlett
• S Hanna
• M O'Donnell
• D Russell
• S Walter
• B Galuppi
  

Funding Agency

Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Summary

Although it has been suggested that adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) may experience loss of function following puberty, little research evidence exists to support this claim. The Ontario Motor Growth Study (1996-2001) followed a cohort of over 650 children with CP to create motor development curves; the ASQME Study (2002-2007) will continue to follow some of these same young people as adolescents to assess patterns of activity, forms of mobility and factors associated with changes of function specific to adolescence. Over 300 adolescents and their parents will be invited to participate in annual assessments for four years, providing unique information on maturation in one of the more prevalent developmental disabilities of childhood. While we are using mainly standardized questionnaires and assessment protocols to collect data about factors that the researchers feel are relevant, we are also excited about a qualitative component to the study that will allow us to ask (or ASQ!) a subgroup of adolescents for some self-generated feedback about themselves and their goals.

For more information, refer to:

• The Ontario Motor Growth Study

Impact

This study will pave the way for a new generation of studies directed at secondary prevention and health promotion.