Linking corticospinal tract activation and upper‐limb motor control in adults with cerebral palsy

Aim To quantify the cervicomedullary motor evoked potentials (CMEPs) at the cervical spinal level in adults with cerebral palsy (CP) and determine if altered CMEPs are linked with upper‐extremity motor function in this population. Method This cross‐sectional study consisted of a cohort of adults with CP (n = 15; mean age = 33 years 5 months [SD = 11 years 8 months]); Manual Ability Classification System levels I–IV) and neurotypical controls (n = 18; mean age = 30 years 10 months [SD = 10 years 4 months]), who were recruited to participate at an academic medical center. Adults with CP and typical adults (controls) were stimulated at the cervicomedullary junction to assess CMEPs at the cervical spinal cord level. Upper‐extremity motor function was quantified using the Box and Blocks and Purdue Pegboard tests, self‐reported upper‐extremity function (UEF), and assessments of selective motor control. Results At higher stimulation levels, the contralateral CMEP responses of adults with CP were different from typical adults (p = 0.032). Reduced CMEP was correlated with reduced upper‐limb function, including worse performance on the Box and Blocks (rho = 0.625, p = 0.025) and Purdue Pegboard tests (rho = 0.701, p = 0.010), lower self‐reported UEF (rho = 0.761, p = 0.009), and overall selective motor control (rho = 0.731, p = 0.007). Interpretation Changes in the activation of spinal motoneurons through corticospinal pathways may have an important role in the altered upper‐extremity motor function of individuals with CP. Cervicomedullary evoked potentials are altered in adults with cerebral palsy and linked with their uncharacteristic upper extremity motor function Video Podcast: https://youtu.be/04QwL6FlPWo