Effects of Education and Exercise Program for Pain and Functional Capacity on Low Back Pain in Mothers of Children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Objective: Aim of this cross-sectional study is to evaluate low back pain (LBP) frequency in mothers of children with cerebral palsy (CP) and effects of education and exercise programs on functional capacity and pain in those with LBP. Material and Methods: Mothers of 164 children with CP were included in the study. Gross Motor Function Classification System was used to classify severity of CP. Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) and Beck Depression Inventory were applied to all of the mothers. Severity of LBP was assessed with NRS (Numeric Rating Scale) (0-10). Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs were applied to the cases with LBP. Low back protection tecniques and education programme including exercises were given to mothers with LBP.Three months later, these cases were assessed again with NRS and ODI. Results: Seventy eight of 164 mothers had low back pain. NHP pain, NHP sleep and NHP physical activity scores were statistically higher in mothers with LBP (p=0.001, p=0.049, p=0.001, respectively). NRS and ODI scores of the 68 cases who followed the recomendations and exercised were compared at baseline and 3 months later. There was a significant improvement in NRS and ODI scores in the third month (p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). Conclusion: LBP prevelance is high in mothers of children with CP. Mothers benefit from an education and proper exercise program, their functional limitations decrease and quality of life improves.