Study of the effects of motor coordination deficits on adaptive behavior and health-related quality of life in pediatric survivors with medulloblastoma

Abstract

Motor coordination deficits, one of the major late adverse effects in medulloblastoma survivors, have been suggested to negatively affect the survivors’ school adjustment and social participation. However, few studies have examined these deficits using standardized measures and assessed in detail their effects on adaptive behavior and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). In this study, we investigated motor coordination deficits and their effects on adaptive behavior and HRQOL in two male survivors who underwent surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy for pediatric medulloblastoma. Motor coordination deficits were assessed by the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition. We found that both survivors suffered from impaired motor function related to limb coordination and motor speed. In addition, they experienced a decline in the score of Movement and Balance in the HRQOL questionnaire. Furthermore, their adaptive behavior related to engagement in outside leisure activities with and without friends, interaction with friends, and gross motor function decreased. Because medulloblastoma occurs mainly in the cerebellum, it is highly likely that medulloblastoma survivors have motor coordination deficits. To improve the adaptive behavior and HRQOL of medulloblastoma survivors and to expand their social participation, it is important to examine their coordination deficits using standardized measures and to provide continuous rehabilitation and reasonable accommodation according to their life stage.