Funding outcome

Increased thickness and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) is a main cause of heart attacks and stroke. While the effects of artery wall thickness are seen mostly in adulthood, it can start to develop in children. It is important to know which children are at highest risk for developing unhealthy arteries so that they can eat healthier and change their motor activity levels to try to prevent artery disease. Children with movement limitations such as cerebral palsy may be at higher risk for developing unhealthy arteries because they usually walk less and sit more. For example, some children with cerebral palsy use a wheelchair for moving and others walk with walkers or canes. Physiotherapists often suggest exercise for children with cerebral palsy to improve the health of the heart and arteries. However, we don't know if children with cerebral palsy are actually at higher risk for developing unhealthy arteries compared to children without disabilities. Few studies have looked at the risk factors for atherosclerosis in children with cerebral palsy. There have been no studies that have looked at how a child's ability to move around is related to the health of their arteries. The aim of the study is to see if the arteries in children and youth with cerebral palsy are thicker than children without disabilities. We will also examine the known risk factors for stroke and heart attacks and increased artery wall thickness in children and youth with cerebral palsy to see which of the factors is most likely to cause thickened arteries. The study includes 36 children and youth with cerebral palsy (1 0 to 18 years of age) and 36 children and youth without disabilities. We will collect information about risk factors for heart attacks and stroke such as age, sex, ethnic origin, smoking habits, and motor ability. We will measure weight, height, waist diameter, and blood pressure for all children. Children with cerebral palsy will also tell us what they ate in the last three days and they will wear an activity monitor for one week. We will ask them if they have a relative who has had a stroke or a heart attack. We will use an ultrasound machine to see if the children have thickening in their neck artery walls. We will also use the ultrasound to look at the changes in the size of the arteries in the arm after applying some pressure because healthy arteries are flexible and get bigger under pressure. The results of the study will help therapists, doctors and dieticians to know which children they should work with to encourage lifestyle changes to prevent heart attacks and strokes in their adult years.