Profile of motor abilities of children with cerebral palsy as a predictor of their functional independence in self-care and mobility

Abstract

Introduction/Objective Limitations of mobility and motor deficits are identified as predominant in the clinical picture of cerebral palsy. This research aimed to describe the profile of motor abilities of children with cerebral palsy, which included gross motor, manual, and bimanual fine motor functions, and to determine the extent to which their functional independence in self-care and mobility was influenced by the profile of their motor abilities.

Methods A convenience sample of 117 participants with cerebral palsy (56.4% males), aged 7–18 years (M = 13.2, SD = 3.4), was included. The Gross Motor Function Classification System – Expanded and Revised, Manual Ability Classification System, Bimanual Fine Motor Function and the Functional Independence Measure – Version for Children, were used. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics and hierarchical multiple regression.

Results More than a half of sample exhibited different levels of gross motor, manual, and bimanual function. Lower functional independence in self-care and mobility was associated with higher functional limitations. Manual abilities were the strongest predictor of functional independence in self-care (β = -0.63, p < 0.001), while gross motor functions were the strongest predictor in the mobility domain (β = -0.65, p < 0.001).

Conclusion Improvement of gross motor and manual abilities of children with cerebral palsy is confirmed as one of the basic preconditions for achieving a greater independence and for minimizing or eliminating a need for assistance in mobility and in everyday self-care activities.

Keywords: cerebral palsy; functional performance; mobility; self-care; motor functions