Motor Functioning and Intelligence Quotient in Paediatric Survivors of a Fossa Posterior Tumor Following a Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Program

Abstract

Background: Short- and long-term consequences after treatment for childhood fossa posterior tumors are extensively reported in the literature; however, papers highlighting physical function throughout rehabilitation and its correlation with Intelligence Quotient (IQ) are sparse. This study aims to describe the physical functioning and IQ of these survivors, their progression during rehabilitation, and the association with histopathological tumor classification. Additionally, the correlation between gross motor functioning and cognitive functioning was investigated. Methods: This retrospective single-center cohort study included 56 children (35 (62.5%) males and 21 (37.5%) females, with an average age of 6.51 years (SD 4.13)) who followed a multidisciplinary program at the Child Rehabilitation Centre, Ghent University Hospital in the period from 2005 to 2020. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed with the use of non-parametric tests and linear regression to determine the relationship between gross motor functioning and IQ. Results: This report shows impaired motor and intelligence performance in children with a fossa posterior tumor. Although multidisciplinary rehabilitation is beneficial, it is not able to counteract the further decline of several motor skills and intelligence during oncological treatment, more specifically in children with a medulloblastoma. A correlation between gross motor function and total IQ was found. Conclusion: Pediatric survivors of a fossa posterior tumor experience impaired physical and intellectual functions, with more decline during oncological treatment despite simultaneous multidisciplinary rehabilitation.

Comparison of Neurocognitive Functioning and Fine Motor Skills in Pediatric Cancer Survivors and Healthy Children

“…Our study, conducted on a fairly large sample of participants, confirms the results of other studies based on smaller samples showing that children who have survived cancer have cognitive and motor deficits [ 14 , 16 ]. Meanwhile, the large and varied clinical sample both in terms of the cancer survivor group and the control group could provide the solid rationale for improving and updating rehabilitation procedures aiming at restoring the neurocognitive and fine motor skills and potentially choosing the best pipeline for each individual patient, thus leading to potential improvements in cognitive outcomes and quality of life.…”

“…Pediatric brain tumors and childhood tumors of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues account for the lion’s share of all pediatric cancer (leukemias, at 34%, and lymphomas, at 12%) [ 13 ]. A lot of research has demonstrated negative outcomes for pediatric brain cancer survivors, among which a decrease in cognitive, visual-motor, and visuospatial functioning were the most common [ 14 ]. This might be related to several factors: location of tumor as well as tumor origin and progression, type of therapy (for instance resection of a part of the brain for the pediatric cancer of the central nervous system), chemotherapy and radiation therapy, the consequences of treatment and hospitalization, age and time of the diagnosis, duration of treatment, and many other factors [ 15 , 16 , 17 ].…”

Gross motor proficiency deficits among children and adolescents post posterior fossa brain tumor removal vs. traumatic brain injury in the chronic phase of recovery: a cross-sectional study

“…In a more recent study by Decock et al, among youth with PF tumors ( N = 56), motor performance deficits at the beginning of rehabilitation ranged from 5.35% (upper limb mobility) to 26.78% (balance). At the end of the rehabilitation, the prevalence of motor performance deficits ranged from zero percent (upper limb mobility) to 8.92% (balance) ( 16 ).…”

Long-term gross motor proficiency deficits among children post posterior fossa brain tumor removal vs. traumatic brain injury: a cross-sectional study

“…In a more recent study by Decock et al, among children with posterior fossa tumors (N = 56), motor performance de cits at the beginning of rehabilitation ranged from 5.35% (upper limb mobility) to 26.78% (balance). At the end of the rehabilitation, the prevalence of motor performance de cits ranged from zero percent (upper limb mobility) to 8.92% (balance) (20).…”