Chewing Disorders, Gross Motor Function and Trunk Control in Cerebral Palsy

The Severity of Chewing Disorders is Related to Gross Motor Function and Trunk Control in Cerebral Palsy

The study is planned to determine the relationship between chewing performance level and gross motor function, and trunk postural control in cerebral palsy (CP).

The study is planned to determine the relationship between chewing performance level and gross motor function, and trunk postural control in cerebral palsy (CP). Chewing performance level will be determined by the chewing performance scale. The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) will be used to determine gross motor function levels. Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo) will be used to measure trunk control. The correlations between chewing performance level and gross motor function, and trunk postural control will be assessed. The Chi-square test will also be used to compare GMFCS levels and trunk control in children with and without chewing disorders.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Having a diagnosis of cerebral palsy
• Referring by a pediatric neurologist
• Aging between 2 to 12 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Aging under the age of 24 months
• Using any medicine and/or oral appliances that could affect the chewing performance