Effects of Intellectual Disability on Gross Motor Function and Health Related Quality of Life in Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Objective: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common developmental disorder which causes intellectual and motor disability, and affects quality of life. The aim of this study was to reveal the effect of intellectual disability (ID) on motor function and quality of life in CP.Methods: Twenty-seven children with CP were divided into two groups as with or without ID. Motor function and health related quality of life was evaluated with Gross Motor Function Measurement–88 (GMFM-88) and Child Health Questionnaire-Parent Form 50 (CHQ-PF50) respectively.Results: All dimensions of GMFM-88 and most of the dimensions of CHQ-PF50 were lower in children with ID compared to those without ID (p<0.05).Conclusion: ID seems to have a disruptive effect on motor function and health related quality of life in CP. Adding approaches to improve the cognitive status to the CP rehabilitation program may be beneficial for motor function and quality of life.