International classification of functioning, disability and health in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Purpose: We intended to describe how concepts from recent models of disability have been studied for evaluation of children with cerebral palsy (CP) and their clinical implications. Method: We revised studies that focused on the components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in children with CP. Results: Researchers have reported that children with CP exhibit impairments in various body functions/structures, limitations in functional activities performance and experience poorer participation outcomes than their typical peers. Moreover, it has been showed that participation of children with CP was affected by environmental factors. Conclusion: Therefore, evaluation and rehabilitation processes should be focused on the quality of life improvement by emphasizing what a child can and wants to execute within the environment. Also, environmental factors should be recognized so that barriers could be minimized and adaptations to the environment achieved. However, few studies have verified the interrelationship between contextual factors and the functioning and disability domains in children with CP. This would allow us to know about approaches specifically designed for these children’s needs.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Cerebral palsy is a disabling disease which impacts in body structures and functions, functional activities performance and social participation.

• ICF is a model of disability that focuses on the integration of these three dimensions.

• The knowledge about the concepts of ICF applied in children with CP allows an evidence-based practice.

Keywords::

• Activity
• environment
• participation
• quality of life

Declaration of Interest: This study was supported financially by a grant from FAPESP (2010/12688-9).