Adults with cerebral palsy: a survey describing problems, needs, and resources, with special emphasis on locomotion

The purpose of this study was to describe problems and resources of adults with cerebral palsy (CP) with special emphasis on locomotion. A questionnai re concerning demographic facts, locomotion, musculoskeletal problems, and present physical activity was mailed to 363 adults with CP. Two hundred and twenty-one adults, (125 male and 96 female; mean age 36 years, range 26 to 58 years) answered the questionnaire, Seventy-seven per cent reported prob lems with spasticity, Eighty-four per cent lived in their own apartments, w ith or without home services. Twenty-four per cent worked full-time and 18% had full disability pension. Twenty-seven per cent had never been able to walk, 64% could walk with or without walking aids, 35% reported decreased w alking ability, and 9% had stopped walking. Eighty per cent reported contra ctures and 18% had pain every day. Approximately 60% were regularly physica lly active, and despite their disability, 54% considered that they were not limited in their ability to move about in the community.