Res Dev Disabil. 2025 Apr 30;162:105029. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2025.105029. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
AIM: The aims of the present study were to describe the prevalence of pain and sleep difficulties in children (2-8 years) with cerebral palsy (CP) and investigate the relationships between pain and sleep difficulties and gross motor function, parent demographics, and parent expectations for pain and sleep to improve with therapy services.
METHODS AND PROCEDURES: This cross-sectional study included parent reports of pain and sleep difficulties in children, demographic data, gross motor function, socioeconomic status (Hollingshead Four-Factor Index of Socioeconomic Status), and parent expectations of rehabilitation therapy services on pain and sleep (Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument).
OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Of the 97 participants, 47.4 % experienced pain in the week prior, 20.6 % the day of, and 33.0 % reported sleep difficulties. Pain in the week prior was significantly associated with sleep difficulties (p = 0.003). No significant relationships were found between pain and sleep difficulties and demographics, gross motor function, or parent income. Parent expectations regarding the impact of rehabilitation therapies on pain and sleep varied.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Young children with CP demonstrate a high prevalence of pain and sleep difficulties. While pain is associated with sleep difficulties, gross motor function and parent demographics did not show associations. This underscores the need for comprehensive monitoring and rehabilitative treatments for pain and sleep difficulties in children with CP. Understanding the impact of rehabilitation therapies on pain and sleep in children with CP may help manage expectations for rehabilitation therapy services accurately.
PMID:40311156 | DOI:10.1016/j.ridd.2025.105029
