The Comparison of Participation in School-Aged Cerebral Palsy Children and Normal Peers: A Preliminary Study
Afsoon Hassani Mehraban1, Madineh Hasani2, Malek Amini1
1Department of Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation Research Center, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
Insights
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) participate less in daily activities than their peers. Understanding these differences is key for tailored interventions to improve social development and health outcomes for children with CP.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric rehabilitation
- Child development
- Disability studies
Background:
- Childhood participation in daily activities is crucial for health and social development.
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition that can impact a child's engagement in everyday life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the participation levels of children with cerebral palsy (CP) aged 8-14 years with their typically developing peers.
- To identify specific differences in activity types, diversity, and intensity between these groups.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 30 children with CP and 30 typically developing children.
- Participation was assessed using the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE) through interviews.
Main Results:
- Children with CP showed significantly lower diversity, intensity, and overall participation compared to peers, except in recreational activities.
- Children with CP engaged more in individual and indoor activities, highlighting potential environmental or social barriers.
- Gender did not significantly impact participation levels or the differences observed between groups.
Conclusions:
- Physical disabilities like CP significantly influence children's engagement in daily activities and socialization.
- Tailored interventions are needed to address the unique participation needs of children with CP, supporting their development and well-being.
Background:
Participation in daily activities during childhood is an important aspect for health and social development.
Objectives:
This study was designed to investigate the participation of children with cerebral palsy aged 8 to 14 years, and their normal peers.
Patients And Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, 30 children with cerebral palsy, and 30 normal children were selected via the non-probability convenience sampling. Their participation was evaluated with children's assessment of participation and enjoyment (CAPE) through interviews.
Results:
Significant differences were found between the means of the two groups regarding the diversity, intensity, overall participation (P = 0.000) and all types of the activities except the recreational activities. The children with cerebral palsy took part in the skill-based activities and overall activities individually compared to the normal peers. The children with cerebral palsy, in comparison with their normal peers, often performed most of the activities inside the house. The main effect of gender and the interaction between gender and groups were not statistically significant in any of the variables of the CAPE test.
Conclusions:
Physical disability can influence the children's daily activities and socialization. Understanding the participation of physically disabled children can help health care professionals in designing and introducing appropriate treatment according to their needs.
