Objective: It was aimed to evaluate the physical characteristics of the cases with spina bifida and to review the factors that may affect the etiology of the disease.

Methods: 48 cases with spina bifida and 48 control groups in other disease groups evaluated. A physiotherapist physically evaluated the cases after their personal information was obtained. A survey form examining the possible factors in the etiology of spina bifida was applied to the families.

The study was carried out with the participation of 48 cases with spina bifida between the ages of 0 and 2 evaluated in XXXXXX Training and Research Hospital (XXXXX) Pediatric Clinics and 48 control groups in other disease groups in response to each case.

The case group consisted of patients who were diagnosed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between February 2019 and January 2020 (39 children), and who applied to the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department from the centers outside for physiotherapy needs (9 children).

Inclusion Criteria:

• spina bifida between the ages of 0 and 2

Exclusion Criteria:

• control group was formed through random selection among the children who were at the same age group between the same dates, did not have any diseases related to the neuromuscular system, and hospitalized for any other reason.

The case group consisted of patients who were diagnosed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between February 2019 and January 2020 (39 children), and who applied to the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department from the centers outside for physiotherapy needs (9 children). The control group was formed through random selection among the children who were at the same age group between the same dates, did not have any diseases related to the neuromuscular system, and hospitalized for any other reason.