Daily Functioning Problems in Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) Aged 5 and More

Abstract

Introduction. Children with CP struggle with various problems in daily living due to diverse symptomatology which accompanies the central nervous system (CNS) damage. The problems concern both basic self-care activities like dressing, grooming or bathing as well as more complicated activities like reading or social interactions — starting and maintaining relationships.
Aim. This study aims to identify and present daily living problems experienced by the children with CP aged 5 or more.
Material and Methods. The study was conducted among a group of 130 randomly selected participants, 50 participants were children with CP aged 5–19 and 80 participants were their parents. The author’s self-designed questionnaire was used to collect data in the study. Results. Analysis of the collected data shows that:
— according to surveyed parents the most common disorders characteristic for their children are: visual disturbance (75%), speech disorder (65%) and intellectual disability (65%),
— one fourth of children with CP are non-ambulant, wheelchair provides independent mobility for the children or they require personal assistance from another person,
— problems with balance in vertical position are the most problematic limitation in daily living for the group of surveyed children (68%).
Conclusions.
1. Children with CP struggle with various problems concerning daily living functioning.
2. Small percentage of children with CP are able to move independently.
3. Majority of children with CP are not able to function independently due to the disorders resulting from the brain damage.
4. Management of associated conditions through motor rehabilitation has improved mobility and motor skills in daily functioning of children with CP. (JNNN 2014;3(2):52–57)