Motor performance after treatment of pilocytic astrocytoma in the posterior fossa in childhood

Aims The aim was to investigate if patients treated for pilocytic astrocytoma in the posterior fossa had motor complications, including balance, motor and process skills. Methods This descriptive single-centre study includes 8 children and 12 adults, treated for pilocytic astrocytoma. Motor performance was investigated with Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition, and dynamic balance with The Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test. Physiological Cost Index, Six-Minute Walk Test, hand grip strength and Assessment of Motor and Process Skills were also evaluated. Results Ten patients reported motor difficulties, mainly from the upper limbs. The motor performance test showed average results except manual dexterity, which was significantly below mean (p=0.008). In the dynamic balance test patients had significantly lower results compared with controls (p=0.036). Physiological cost index, six-minute walk tests and hand grip strength showed average results. In the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills, patients over 16 years had significantly lower results for motor ADL and 30% of all patients scored below the cut-off level for difficulties with motor skills. Conclusions Motor performance for patients treated for pilocytic astrocytoma in the posterior fossa is satisfactory but some patients display difficulties with balance, manual dexterity and ADL motor skills. Thus it is important to identify those in need of motor follow-up and training.