Which health concern may develop during adolescence with spina bifida due to overuse?

Which health concern may develop during adolescence with spina bifida due to overuse?

• A. Degenerative changes and overuse symptoms
• B. Improved spasticity
• C. Increased sensation
• D. Reduced need for mobility aids

Answer: (A)

As adolescents with spina bifida grow and become more active, their bodies face new demands, and the altered biomechanics from paralysis, scoliosis, and muscle imbalance can lead to repeated stress on joints and tendons. This makes overuse injuries more likely, and over time those repetitive stresses can cause degenerative changes in weight-bearing joints and related symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and reduced function. In this context, early wear-and-tear and tendon or joint problems are a real risk as activity increases during adolescence.

Improved spasticity isn’t typically something that comes from simply being more active; tone changes in spina bifida are influenced by neuromuscular factors and treatment approaches rather than by overuse alone. Increased sensation also isn’t expected, since sensory impairment is common in spina bifida and isn’t something that improves with activity. Likewise, a reduced need for mobility aids would not fit the pattern here, because growing and aging with altered biomechanics often maintains or increases the need for supports.

So, the health concern that best fits the scenario of adolescence with spina bifida experiencing overuse is the development of degenerative changes and overuse symptoms.