Relation between balance, functional mobility, walking endurance and participation in ambulatory children with spastic bilateral cerebral palsy - Balance and participation in cerebral palsy

Authors : Zana Gergi Ahmeti, Kübra Seyhan Bıyık, Mintaze Günel, Fatma Gül Yazıcıoğlu

Pages : 132-141

Doi:10.15437/jetr.1292901

View : 80 | Download : 100

Publication Date : 2024-08-09

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between balance, functional mobility, walking performance and level of participation in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy. Methods: the study included 43 children with spastic bilateral cerebral palsy and 26 children with typical development. Mobility of children with cerebral palsy was evaluated with Gross Motor Function Classification System, in which 18 of them were in level I and 25 children in level II. Balance skills and functional mobility were evaluated with Pediatric Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, and 1 Minute Walk Test in children with cerebral palsy and typical development. Pediatric Outcome Data Collection Instrument was used to assess the participation level of children of two groups. The differences between groups were determined by Kruskall Wallis test and the Spearman Correlation test was used to analyze the relationship between functional balance, activity, and participation. Results: Compared to children with typical development, balance skills were found to be lower in children with cerebral palsy (p:0.001). Balance status were correlated positively with walking performance (r:0.631) and activity of participation (r:0.796), but negatively (r:-0.774) with functional mobility in children with cerebral palsy. Conclusion: The impairment of balance skills in children with CP reduces the levels of mobility, transfer, functionality and participation in daily life activities. As dynamic balance skills increase, functional balance, mobility level and social functions also improve.
Keywords : Serebral palsi, Katılım, Postural denge