Evaluating functional independence withthe Effect of Age and Gross Motor FunctionClassification System on Activities of dailylivings of Children with cerebral palsy

Background
Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition which basically affects the gross motor and fine
motor functions of children; therefore, children need assistance in performing their activities
of daily livings (ADL). In the Indian context, family-centered care is not seen commonly and
the sole care is shouldered by the parents, mostly mother, which has an adverse effect on
overall well-being of the family. A comprehensive picture of the characteristics of the
children with CP, shedding light on their age distribution and motor function levels can assist
to determine the extent of the problem, and develop systems to address issues pertaining to
ADL.
Methods
Activities of daily living (ADL) problem faced by children were done through the use of a
LTCS WeeFIM Score sheet -Brain Injury- July 2011 popularly used to assess the problem
related to self-care, mobility, and cognition. In the present study self-care and mobility
domains were assessed in children with cerebral palsy. The Gross Motor Function
Classification System Expanded & Revised (GMFCS-E&R), a five-level classification
system developed by Palisano et al. (2007), was employed to characterize the gross motor
function of children with cerebral palsy across different age groups.
Children with cerebral palsy who were undertaking rehabilitation services in Trishla
Foundation were selected purposely as sample for the study. The sample of the study
consisted of 250 children who were undertaking rehabilitation services in the Trishla
Foundation located at Prayagraj town of Uttar Pradesh, India. Out of these 250 children, 175
were above 3 years of age. Further, it was found that out of 175 children, only 65 children
were in GMFCS I-III levels and rest were in GMFCS IV or V levels, who were omitted as
per the criteria of the study. Again, among the 65 children selected for the study, only 61
parents gave consent for their children to participate in the study. So finally, data were
collected from 61 respondents.
Conclusion
The study highlighted significant differences in the levels of independence and support
needed by individuals with cerebral palsy for various activities of daily living, depending on
their age group and GMFCS level.
While interviewing the children and their parents, there was a lot of challenges regarding
their behaviour like after responding once, they did not want to respond again. This study
contributes to raising awareness among parents of children about new assistive devices, such
as hand grip spoons and cut cups, which aid in performing daily living activities.