A comparison of activity, participation and quality of life in children with and without spastic diplegia cerebral palsy

Abstract

Purpose: To measure activity, participation and QoL in children with CP and to determine how these differ from a comparable group of typically developing (TD) children.Method: A total of eleven males and eight females with CP ranging in age from 5 to 12 years (mean age 7 years 10 months, SD 1 year 10 months; GMFCS level I–II) and 19 age and sex matched TD peers were recruited. Activity was measured using Paediatric Activity Card Sort (PACS), 6-Minute Walk Test and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). Participation was measured using the assessment of Life Habits (LIFE-H) and quality of life was measured using the Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life Questionnaire (CP-QoL).Results: TD children performed more activities of personal care than children with CP, as assessed via the PACS, t(40) = 3.266, p = 0.002. TD children participate in more life habits than children with CP across all the LIFE-H domains except that of relationships. Results from the CP-QoL indicate that TD children experience a greater QoL in the domains of functioning, t(40) = 2.824, p = 0.007, and participation and physical health, t(40) = 3.543, p = 0.001, than children with CP.Conclusions: These findings encourage the development of therapeutic interventions that aim to reduce these imbalances at all levels of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• This paper offers a comprehensive approach to assessment of children with cerebral palsy using the ICF framework.

• It offers insight into the significant differences that children with mild to moderate CP experience when compared to their typically developing peers and identifies key areas to direct interventions.

Keywords::

• Cerebral palsy
• quality of life
• ICF
• participation

Declaration of Interest: The authors report no declarations of interest.