Functionality and Quality of Life In Children With Bilateral and Unilateral Cerebral Paralysis

Abstract

The study sought to investigate the association of instruments for assessing functionality in children with Cerebral Palsy based on the activity and participation component of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. data through the Gross Motor Function Measurement, Pediatric Disability Assessment Inventory and Quality of Life Questionnaire of Children with Cerebral Palsy. Data analysis was by descriptive statistics, with data presented as mean and standard deviation. The convenience sample of the study consisted of children diagnosed with bilateral and unilateral paralysis. In the study 52% (n = 10) had Unilateral Paralysis and 48% (n = 9) bilateral. In the Function Measure instrument, the score did not show significant variation for the bilateral and unilateral type of Paralysis. In the Inventory, children with bilateral Paralysis achieved higher scores on functional skills and lower scores in the caregiver's care area. The Questionnaire showed that children with bilateral paralysis have a higher quality of life. The topographic distribution of bilateral and unilateral paralysis was not decisive for defining functionality. Contextual factors (physical, social and attitudinal) showed substantial influence, as physical conditions of the environments and attitudes of caregivers emerged as main aspects. The instruments proved to be efficient in evaluating the activity and participation component, as it provides a better understanding of life skills and performance.