Correlation of functional independence and quality of life in school aged children with cerebral palsy

Background: Cerebral palsy is one of the most common chronic disabling conditions of childhood having a tremendous impact on the child’s capacity to carry out activities of daily living. Reduced activity levels and participation restrictions due to multiple impairments may lead to a reduced quality of life (QOL) compared to their typically developing peers. Objective of the study was to examine the correlation between functional independence and quality of life in school-aged children with cerebral palsy. Methods: A correlational study was conducted at neuro-paediatric department of college of physiotherapy, Ahmedabad with 46 subjects who included school-aged (4-12 years old) children with all clinical types of cerebral palsy & GMFCS level I to V. Children presenting with disorders of non-cerebral origin, ADHD, autistic traits and specific syndromes were excluded. The outcome measures taken were Functional Independence Measure (FIM) & quality of life. The outcome measures used were FIM, Wee-FIM & Cerebral Palsy Quality Of Life Questionnaire for Children (CP QOL-Child). Procedure: Children with cerebral palsy (4-12 years, GMFCS level I-V) were recruited as per selection criteria. Nature and purpose of the study was explained to their parents. Informed written consent was taken from them. Parents were asked to fill Gujarati translated version of CP QOL-Child questionnaire. Demographic data was collected. Results: Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 20.0 & MS excel 2007. Spearman’s correlation test was used between Wee-FIM & CPQOL scores. There was direct strong correlation (r = 0.81, P < 0.01) between them which was statistically significant. Quality of life was significantly correlated with self-care (r = 0.75, P < 0.01), mobility (r = 0.80, P < 0.01) and cognition (r = 0.79, P < 0.01) domains of Wee-FIM. Conclusion: School-aged cerebral palsy children who were more functionally dependent were found to have worse quality of life.