Relationship Between Communication and Gross Motor Function in Quadriparetic Cerebral Palsy

Investigation of the Relationship Between Communication Function and Gross Motor Function in Patients With Quadriparetic Cerebral Palsy

Communication problems are frequently encountered in quadriparetic cerebral palsy. Additionally, motor impairments often accompany this condition. Communication problems can also reduce the benefits gained from treatments, which in turn negatively affects individuals functional independence as motor impairments persist. In this study, the researchers aimed to examine the relationship between communication function, gross motor function and functional independence level.

This study is an observational study conducted with data obtained from assessment scales and does not involve any treatment. The target population of the study consists of individuals diagnosed with quadriparetic cerebral palsy (QCP). Individuals with QCP aged 0-17 years were included in the study. Detailed medical histories were taken from the participants, and they were evaluated using the Communication Function Classification System (CFCS), the Pediatric Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM), and the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88). The aim of this study is to examine the effect of communication function on gross motor function and independence.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages between 0-17,
• Diagnosed with quadriparetic cerebral palsy,
• Participants and parents willing to participate in the study voluntarily.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having different types of cerebral palsy such as dyskinetic, ataxic and mixed type,
• Having spastic diparetic or hemiparetic type cerebral palsy,
• Having any history of surgery on the musculoskeletal system,
• Having received Botulinum Toxin injections in the last 6 months