Impact of physiotherapy service utilization on physical and functional status of children with cerebral palsy in Jalandhar, Punjab, India

Abstract

Background and Objective: Despite the widely recognized role of physiotherapy in the management of cerebral palsy, limited literature is available on its efficacy in cerebral palsy. This report describes the impact of physiotherapy service utilization on the physical and functional status of children with cerebral palsy. Methodology: A cross sectional survey of 248 children with cerebral palsy of age group 3-13 years in Jalandhar district of Punjab was conducted using Physical examination of child and scheduled interview of parents. The physical and functional statuses of these groups were compared using t - test and Chi square. Result and Discussion: 55.6% children received physiotherapy whereas 44.4% children did not receive any physiotherapy. Total and domain wise gross motor function (GMFM) and fine motor function (QUEST) scores of the group not exposed to physiotherapy was significantly( P < 0.001) less than those exposed to physiotherapy. Deformity score of non exposed group (9.45 ± 6.87) was significantly higher (P <0.001) than exposed group (5.22 ± 4.60). Non exposure to Physiotherapy was significantly (P < 0.001) associated with reduced functional abilities in the area of ambulation (OR = 4.51) and eating (OR = 2.89) drinking (OR = 3.31) toileting (OR = 3.52) washing (OR = 3.45) and dressing (OR = 4.61). Conclusion: This report provides evidence that provision of physiotherapy positively affect the physical as well as functional status of children with cerebral palsy.

Keywords

• Cerebral palsy
• physiotherapy
• rehabilitation services