Quality of Life and Gross Motor Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy (Aged 4-12)

Abstract

Objectives: Most definitions equate Quality of Life with motor function. The aim of this study is to examine the association between gross motor function and Quality of Life for children with cerebral palsy. Methods: In this analytical cross–sectional study, 60 children with cerebral palsy aged 4-12 were selected through convenience sampling based on inclusion criteria from occupational therapy clinics in Hamadan. Cerebral Palsy-Quality of Life questionnaires were completed by the parents of the participants, and the gross motor function of all children was evaluated by the Gross Motor Function Measure. All data was analyzed by SPSS 16. Results: The analysis of the data showed statistical significance between gross motor function and Quality of Life domains such as [social well-being and acceptance (P=0.017), feeling about functioning (P=0.003), participation and physical health (P=0.003), pain and feelings about disability (P=0.018), access to services (P=0.009)], while there wasn’t any relationship seen between them in emotional well-being (P=0.54) and family health (P=0.796). Discussion: Based on the findings of this research, there isn’t any relationship between gross motor function and the psychosocial domains of Quality of Life. It means that children with cerebral palsy have the potential to have a high psychosocial Quality of Life score even if they have poor motor function.

Keywords

• Cerebral palsy
• Movement
• Quality of life
• Child