Rike, P. O., Aa, S. G., Storenes, A. K., Stadskleiv, K., & Eliassen, C. F. (2023): Driving training and behaviour among young adults with cerebral palsy–A follow-up pilot study

Author

Per-Ola Rike, Sigrunn Grønningen Aa, Ann Kathrin Storenes, Kristine Stadskleiv, Carl Fredrik Eliassen.

Abstract

Objective

Investigate medical, demographic and neuropsychological variables associated with driving in patients with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

This study has a retrospective cohort design. A follow-up survey was sent to former patients with CP that previously had passed a multidisciplinary driving assessment. Participants included a total of 17 persons, 3 men and 14 women, mean age 26 years at follow-up. The follow-up survey included data from driving training, self-reported driving behaviour and measures of perceived pain and fatigue. The survey data was analysed in comparison with retrospective medical and neuropsychological data.

Results

Two-thirds of the participants had obtained a valid driver’s license at the time of follow-up. Cognitive impairments were found within both the driving and non-driving group, but more severely among the non-drivers. A subgroup had been repeatedly involved in traffic incidents and crashes.

Conclusion

When assessing fitness to drive in persons with CP, clinicians need to give realistic prognostics based on a multidisciplinary clinical assessment before starting the arduous and costly process that obtaining a driving license represents.