Correlation between the dimensions of diaphragm movement, respiratory functions and pressures in accordance with the gross motor function classification system levels in children with cerebral palsy

This study was executed as correlation study to investigate the correlation between the dimensions of diaphragm movement, and respiratory functions and pressures in accordance with the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels on children with cerebral palsy as the participants. Forty-three children in the age range of 5–13 years diagnosed with cerebral palsy as the research participants were divided into three groups (levels I, II, and III) through systematic stratified random sampling in accordance with their GMFCS levels. Pearson correlation analysis was executed to examine the correlation between dimensions of diaphragm movement, and respiratory functions and pressures in accordance with the GMFCS levels of the participants. There was no significant correlation between the dimensions of diaphragm movement, and respiratory functions and pressures in all of the three groups in accordance with the GMFCS levels of the participants. Therefore, it is deemed that although measurement of the dimensions of diaphragm movement of children with cerebral palsy by using diagnostic ultrasonic M-mode imaging device can be considered as auxiliary tool in predicting the breathing capabilities, it cannot be used as independent measurement equipment.