Preferred posture in lying and its association with scoliosis and windswept hips in adults with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to clarify the association of scoliosis and windswept hips with immobility, lying position, and time in lying, in adults with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 830 adults (469 males and 361 females) with a diagnosis of CP, 16–73 years, and classified at levels I–V according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Subjects’ Gross motor function classification system level, presence and severity of scoliosis, hip and knee joint range of movement, lying position, postural ability in lying, and time in lying were used to identify connections between them. Results: Adults who are immobile in the lying position have higher odds of both scoliosis and windswept hips. Spending more than 8 h daily in the same lying position, increased the odds of having scoliosis, while lying solely in a supine position, resulted in higher odds of windswept hips. Conclusions: The “preferred” habitual posture frequently observed in immobile adults with CP, leads to established distortion of their body shape. The results indicate the need for early introduction of appropriate posture control, in immobile individuals with CP, from a young age.