The purpose of this study is to determine the association between gross motor function and chewing performance level in children with cerebral palsy (CP). A cross-sectional study was conducted in 152 children (ages 2-10y, 51.3% male) with a diagnosis of spastic CP. The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) was used to determine gross motor function levels of children. Chewing performance level was determined by using the Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale (KCPS).
The purpose of this study is to determine the association between gross motor function and chewing performance level in children with cerebral palsy (CP). A cross-sectional study was conducted in 152 children (ages 2-10y, 51.3% male) with a diagnosis of spastic CP. The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) was used to determine gross motor function levels of children. Chewing performance level was determined by using the Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale (KCPS).Children with a diagnosis of spastic CP aged 2 to 12 years who were referred due to chewing/swallowing problems by pediatric neurologists were included. The inclusion criteria were above the age of 24 months, and had complaints about chewing function. Children under the age of 24 months, requiring tube feeding or taking any oral nutritional supplements, and used any medicine and/or oral appliances that could affect the chewing performance, were excluded.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
152
Descriptive characteristics including age, height and weight were recorded. Chewing performance level was determined with the Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale (KCPS). Each child was placed in a sitting position (either on a chair or on his/her mother's arm) with the head upright and with the midline position and arms and legs supported, and required to bite and chew a standardized biscuit, and no clue was given on how to chew. The physical therapist rated the chewing performance according to the KCPS. All children underwent a physical examination by a physical therapist to determine gross motor function by applying the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). In addition to GMFCS, number of affected limbs of the children was also noted.
Hacetttepe University
Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)
Chewing performance level
Chewing evaluation
Time frame: 10 minutes
Gross motor function level
Motor function evaluation
Time frame: 10 minutes
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