Investigation of the Relationship of Trunk Control and Trunk Endurance with Upper Extremity Endurance, Balance and Functional Mobility in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate trunk control and trunk endurance in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and to examine its relationship with upper extremity endurance, balance and functional mobility. Material and Methods: Thirty two children and adolescents with CP at I and II levels according to Gross Motor Function Classification System, between the ages of 6 and 18 were included. For participants with CP, trunk control was evaluated with Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS), trunk endurance was evaluated with Trunk Flexor Test (TFT), upper extremity endurance was evaluated with Modified Push-up Test (MPT), balance was evaluated with Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) and functional mobility was evaluated with Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). SPSS 21.0 program was used for the analysis of the data. Results: Statistically significant correlations were found between TCMS-Static Sitting Balance with all parameters except MPT. A significant correlation was found between TCMS-Dynamic Sitting Balance with TCMS TOTAL, PBL and GFT. And also, significant correlations were found between PBS with TUG, TUG with TFT, and MPT with PBS (p<0,05). Conclusion: In children with CP, trunk control and trunk endurance were found to be associated with functional mobility and balance, trunk endurance with trunk control during dynamic and static sitting and upper extremity endurance with balance. When planning a physiotherapy and rehabilitation program for children and adolescents with CP at all functional levels, it is thought that it would be functionally beneficial to include assessments and exercises focusing on trunk control, trunk endurance and balance.