SAT0714-HPR THE EFFECTS OF EXERCISE ON PAIN AND DEPRESSION IN MOTHERS OF DISABLED CHILDREN WHO SUFFER FROM BACK PAIN

Abstract

Background: The rate of back pain prevalence and its subsequent negative psychological effects is quite high in mothers of disabled children. Family caregivers of children with a disability demonstrate higher degrees of chronic conditions and are more likely to engage in health risk behaviors (1, 2). Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of home exercise programs on mothers' back pain, relevant functional influence and the depression level (3). Methods: Forty-two mothers aged 35,71±6,53 were included in this study whom children were diagnoses with cerebral palsy. Back pain level of the mothers was measured with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), relevant functional disability was measured with Oswestry Disability index and depression level was measured with Beck Depression Scale. Disability level of their children was measured with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Following the assessments, a home exercise program consisting of Dynamic Lumbar Stabilization Exercises was given to mothers. They were asked to perform the exercises for three months and exercises were checked once in a month. Results: GMFCS average of the children was 3,35±1,57. There was a significant difference in the pain level (VAS) changed from 4,90±2,67 to 3,21±2,50 after the exercise (p=0,000). The difference between the Oswestry Disability Index score before (13,92±8,32) and after the exercise (10,76±8.54) was statistically significant (p=0,001). Also there was a significant difference in the Beck Depression Scale score decreased from 25,16±9,46 to 12,76±7,50 (p=0,009). Conclusion: Mothers with disabled children complain about back pain during activities such as caregiving their children (4). This study reveals that back pain, relevant functional influence and depression could be reduced in mothers by perform recommended exercises regularly.