Longitudinal Trajectories and Reference Percentiles for Participation in Family and Recreational Activities of Children with Cerebral Palsy.

To create longitudinal trajectories and reference percentiles for frequency of participation in family and recreational activities for children with cerebral palsy (CP) by Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level. 708 children with CP 18-months to 12-years of age and their families participated in two to five assessments using the GMFCS and Child Engagement in Daily Life Measure. Data were analyzed using mixed-effects models and quantile regression. Longitudinal trajectories depict the relatively stable level of frequency of participation with considerable individual variability. Average change in the frequency of participation scores of children from 2-12 years of age by GMFCS level varied from 3.7 (GMFCS level I) to – 9.0 points (GMFCS level V). A system to interpret the magnitude of change in percentiles over time is presented. Longitudinal trajectories and reference percentiles can inform therapists and families for collaboratively designing services and monitoring performance to support children's participation in family and recreational activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]