The aim of this study was to evaluate whether upper and lower extremity muscle strength is a factor in activity, participation and quality of life parameters in school-age children with CP and to reveal the difference in upper and lower extremity muscle strength compared to typically developing peers.
Upper motor neuron lesion causing Cerebral Palsy (CP) leads to various problems including muscle tone, coactivation of agonist-antagonist muscles, coordination, balance, muscle strength, loss of selective motor control, bone deformities and muscle contractures by negatively affecting motor control and these problems have been shown to affect the level of activity and participation in social life. Studies demonstrate that increased muscle strength, especially with muscle strengthening programmes, improves functional outcomes in children with CP. Although studies exist on causal relationships between motor affectivity, GMFCS level, muscle strength and quality of life in children with CP, studies directly examining the relationship between muscle strength and activity level, participation in social life and quality of life are limited. Determining the relationship between lower and upper extremity muscle strength and participation and quality of life in children with CP is important for rehabilitation approaches. This will help focus on strengthening specific muscle groups in rehabilitation to increase participation in social life and quality of life in children with CP.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
140
Hacettepe University, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Ankara, İzmir, Turkey (Türkiye)
Upper and Lower Extremity Isometric Muscle Strength Measured by Hand-Held Dynamometer (ActivForce 2, Activbody, San Diego, CA, USA).
Isometric muscle strength of the following muscle groups was assessed using the "Make Test" with a portable hand-held dynamometer (ActivForce 2; Activbody, San Diego, CA, USA): Shoulder abductors, Shoulder extensors, Elbow flexors, Elbow extensors, Hip abductors, Hip extensors, Knee flexors, Knee extensors. Muscle strength values were recorded in kilograms (kg). Higher values indicate greater muscle strength.
Time frame: 1 day (single assessment session)
Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory - Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT) Domain Scores
The PEDI-CAT assesses functional performance in four domains: Daily Activities, Mobility, Social/Cognitive, Responsibility. Each domain is scored on a standardized scale (norm-based score; mean 50, SD 10). Higher scores indicate better functional performance.
Time frame: 1 day
Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life Questionnaire (CP QOL) Total Score
The CP QOL assesses quality of life across multiple domains including: Social well-being and acceptance, Feelings about functioning, Participation and physical health, Emotional well-being and self-esteem, Pain and impact of disability. Domain scores range from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicate better quality of life.
Time frame: 1 day
Assessment of Life Habits (LIFE-H) Total Score
The LIFE-H (5-13 years version) evaluates social participation across 12 domains. Items are scored from 0 to 9: 0 = Complete restriction in participation 9 = Optimal participation Higher scores indicate better participation.
Time frame: 1 day
Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) Global Function Score
The PODCI evaluates health-related quality of life and functional performance across five domains: Upper Extremity Function, Transfers and Basic Mobility, Physical Function and Sports, Comfort and Pain, Happiness Scores range from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicate better function and quality of life.
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Time frame: 1 day