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Published on: August 9, 2024
Chronic pain, spasticity, and maternal burnout in children with spastic cerebral palsy
Özge Baykan Çopuroğlu1, Müge Baykan2, Ahmet Özdemir3
1Kayseri University, Department of Therapy and Rehabilitation - Kayseri, Türkiye.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between chronic pain, spasticity, and maternal burnout in children with spastic cerebral palsy, and to determine whether pain and muscle tone independently predict caregiver exhaustion.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study included 126 mother-child dyads with spastic cerebral palsy aged 6-18 years. Pain was assessed using the Faces Pain Scale-Revised and revised Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability; spasticity using the Modified Ashworth Scale; and functional status by Gross Motor Function Classification System. Maternal burnout was evaluated with the Parental Burnout Assessment, and anxiety/depression with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.
Results:
Mean pain score was 4.1±1.7, Modified Ashworth Scale 2.6±0.8, and maternal Parental Burnout Assessment 56.7±13.9. Burnout correlated significantly with pain (r=0.52), spasticity (r=0.44), Gross Motor Function Classification System level (r=0.39), caregiving hours, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-depression (all p<0.001). In regression analysis, pain (β=0.37), maternal depression (β=0.31), spasticity (β=0.24), Gross Motor Function Classification System level, caregiving time, and epilepsy were independent predictors of burnout (adjusted R2=0.56).
Conclusion:
Pain and spasticity are key contributors to maternal burnout in spastic cerebral palsy. Integrating pain and tone management into family-centered care may improve both child outcomes and caregiver well-being.