Assessment of balance and environmental adaption in children with spastic cerebral palsy

Abstract EN

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) describes a group of disorders of posture and movement that occur as a result of a non- progressive disturbance in the infant brain.

Balance is an important element of children with spastic CP which describe the ability of the child to safely and independently function in a variety of environments.

Environmental adaptation and social participation of children CP is influenced by both their functional skills and environmental factors.

Aim: To assess balance and quality of life in children with spastic CP.

Methodology: Fifty six spastic cerebral palsy children from both sexes aged (4- 12) years participated in this study.

All participants were subjected to full clinical examination, neurological examination, functional motor skills by GMFMCS and GMFM- 66, balance assessment by PBS and SCALE and assess the effect of level of motor impairments and quality of life in children with spastic CP.

Results: there was statistically significant correlation between GMFM- 66 and PBS (P value= 0.01, r= 0.89).

Also statistically significant correlation between GMFM- 66 and SCALE (P value= 0.01, r= 0.65).

There was statistically significant correlation between GMFM- 66 and QOL (P value=0.0 1, r= 0.534).

That SCALE and PBS tools as regard GMFM- 66 could distinguish between different functional balance and different levels motor impairments in children with CP.

Quality of life (QOL) of children with spastic cerebral palsy were affected by level of motor impainnents and more effective tool in children with CP above seven years old.

Conclusion: PBS and SCALE are valid tools to assess balance in children with spastic CP.

Environmental adaptation and social participation of children CP is influenced by both their functional skills and affect quality of life.

Recommendation: Further researches are also required to evaluate balance and environmental adaptation of children with spastic CP.