Authors:
Calley, A.; Williams, S.; Reid, S.; Blair, E.; Valentine, J.; Girdler, S.; Elliott, C.
Authors notes:
Disability and Rehabilitation. 2012;34(15):1306-10.
Keywords:
activity, participation, QoL, children, Cerebral Palsy (CP), typically developing (TD)
Abstract:
The aim of this study wa to measure activity, participation and QoL in children with CP and to determine how these differ from a comparable group of typically developing (TD) children.
A total of eleven males and eight females with CP ranging in age from 5 to 12 years (mean age 7 years 10 months, SD 1 year 10 months; GMFCS level I-II) and 19 age and sex matched TD peers were recruited. Activity was measured using Paediatric Activity Card Sort (PACS), 6-Minute Walk Test and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG).
Participation was measured using the assessment of Life Habits (LIFE-H) and quality of life was measured using the Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life Questionnaire (CP-QoL).
TD children performed more activities of personal care than children with CP, as assessed via the PACS, t(40) = 3.266, p = 0.002. TD children participate in more life habits than children with CP across all the LIFE-H domains except that of relationships. Results from the CP-QoL indicate that TD children experience a greater QoL in the domains of functioning, t(40) = 2.824, p = 0.007, and participation and physical health, t(40) = 3.543, p = 0.001, than children with CP.
These findings encourage the development of therapeutic interventions that aim to reduce these imbalances at all levels of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.