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Determinants of Gross Motor Function in Children With Ambulatory Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Cross-Sectional Study in
Atahan Turhan1, Merve Kurt-Aydin2, Tülay Tarsuslu3
1Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, Kırşehir, Turkey.
Insights
Parental quality of life and urban residence are key factors influencing gross motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). These elements are crucial for developing effective interventions to improve mobility outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Spastic cerebral palsy (CP) is a common childhood motor disability.
- Understanding factors influencing gross motor function is vital for targeted interventions.
- Previous research has explored various determinants, but environmental and familial factors require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the determinants of gross motor function in ambulatory children with spastic CP.
- To investigate the relationship between parental quality of life, place of residence, and children's motor function.
- To explore the predictive value of physical functioning and environmental factors on gross motor outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 68 children with spastic CP was assessed.
- Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM-66) were used for motor function evaluation.
- Parental quality of life was measured using the Paediatric Quality of Life Scale Family Effects Module (PedsQL-FIM).
Main Results:
- No significant differences in motor function or parental quality of life were found between hemiparetic and diparetic CP subtypes.
- Children in urban areas demonstrated significantly better gross motor function and higher parental quality of life than those in rural areas.
- Physical functioning and urban residence emerged as significant predictors of gross motor function, explaining 37.9% of the variance in GMFM-66 scores.
Conclusions:
- Parental quality of life and urban residence are independent predictors of gross motor function in children with CP.
- Environmental factors, such as place of residence, play a significant role in motor development.
- Interventions should consider family well-being and environmental contexts to optimize outcomes for children with CP.
Aim:
This study aims to explore the determinants of gross motor function in ambulatory children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP).
Methods:
Sixty-eight children diagnosed with spastic CP type were included in the study. Sociodemographic and clinical information of children with CP and their families was recorded. Children's gross motor function level was classified using the Gross Motor Function Classification System; gross motor function was assessed using the Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM-66); and parental quality of life was assessed using the Paediatric Quality of Life Scale Family Effects Module (PedsQL-FIM).
Results:
No significant differences were observed in gross motor function or parental quality of life between hemiparetic and diparetic CP groups. However, children residing in urban areas showed significantly higher gross motor function and parental quality of life compared to those in rural areas (p < 0.05). Moderate correlations were found between gross motor function and physical functioning as well as place of residence (p < 0.05). Multiple regression indicated that physical functioning and urban residence were significant predictors of gross motor function, accounting for 37.9% of the variance in the GMFM-66 score.
Conclusion:
This study shows that the quality of life of parents of children and residence in the urban area are independent predictors of gross motor function in children with CP. These findings highlight the importance of considering family well-being and environmental factors when developing interventions to improve gross motor function outcomes in children with CP.
Trial Registration:
NCT06439446.
