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The relationship between gross motor function and participation restriction in children with cerebral palsy: an
C Kerr1, B McDowell, S McDonough
1Musgrave Park Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.
Insights
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have reduced participation in daily activities. Better gross motor function in ambulatory children with CP correlates with less disability impact, though the relationship is complex.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Disability Studies
Background:
- Children with cerebral palsy (CP) face functional limitations impacting daily life.
- Severity of CP influences the extent of participation restrictions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the relationship between gross motor function and participation restrictions in ambulatory children with CP.
- To understand how physical function affects daily life participation.
Main Methods:
- Sixty ambulant children with CP (mean age 11.04 years) were evaluated.
- Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) assessed motor function.
- Lifestyle Assessment Questionnaire - Cerebral Palsy (LAQ-CP) evaluated participation.
Main Results:
- A significant negative correlation (r = -0.52, P < 0.001) was found between GMFM-88 and LAQ-CP scores.
- GMFM-88 related significantly to physical independence, mobility, economic burden, and social integration domains of LAQ-CP.
Conclusions:
- Improved physical function in ambulatory children with CP is linked to reduced disability impact.
- The connection between function and participation is multifaceted.
- Assessing participation restrictions aids in setting tailored goals for children and families.
Background:
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) experience a variety of functional limitations depending on the severity of their condition that impact on their participation in day-to-day activities.
Methods:
The gross motor function and participation restrictions experienced by 60 ambulant children with CP (mean age 11.04 years) were assessed using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) and the Lifestyle Assessment Questionnaire - Cerebral Palsy (LAQ-CP).
Results:
A significant negative correlation existed between the GMFM-88 and the LAQ-CP (r = -0.52, P < 0.001). Significant relationships were also identified between the GMFM-88 and the physical independence, mobility, economic burden and social integration domains of the LAQ-CP.
Conclusion:
In ambulatory children with CP, better physical function is associated with a lesser impact of disability; however, the relationship between function and participation is complex. Measures of participation restriction may assist with goal setting appropriate to the specific needs of the child and family.
