The Relationship Between Clinical Motor and Communication Levels of Children with Cerebral Palsy, And Competencies From Parents' Perspectives

Abstract

In this study, it was investigated whether there is a relationship between the clinical motor and communication levels of children with CP in terms of physiotherapy and the perceived competency levels from the parents' perspective. The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) was used for motor ability level; the Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) was preferred for communication level. The children’ communication levels from the parent's perspective were evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Katz Index was used for measuring the children' activities of daily living. A total of 110 children with CP (mean age: 6.74±3.48 years) and their caregivers participated in the study. Communication levels were good for 30.6% of the children, and motor levels were good for 27.9% of them. The mean activity of daily living was 9.11±8.52. The child's proficiency level, according to the perspective of the parents, was found to be 6.22±3.29 on average. Positive correlations were found between the level of child communication skills as perceived by the parents, the CFCS level (r = 0.770; p<0.001), GMFCS (r = 0.652; p<0.001) and the Katz scale (r = 0.636; p<0.001). Adherence to treatment and continuity to rehabilitation regularly are important in the physiotherapy and rehabilitation process of children with CP. At the end of our study, it was determined that there was a good correlation between the communication competency. Within the scope of education programs, training parents to follow the development of their children and increase their awareness can increase their treatment adherence.