Relevant factors of self-care in children and adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy

OBJECTIVE: Manual ability is considered one of the factors that can predict functional independence in activities of daily living. For evaluating personal tasks such as self-care, the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) comprises/introduces/offers a set of useful measures that assist in enhancing the capability for self-care among children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). The aim of this study was to investigate the relevant factors of self-care capability and performance in children and adolescents with spastic CP. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. Seventy-six children and adolescents with spastic CP (between 5 and 18 years of age), representing levels I to IV of the Gross Motor Function Classification System-Expanded & Revised version (GMFCS), were analyzed. Multiple linear regression analysis with forward stepwise selection was conducted to examine which determinants were related to self-care capability and performance. Independent variables were age, CP type, GMFCS, Manual Ability Classification System, Box and Block Test, and grip strength in the dominant and non-dominant hands. Dependent variables were scores for the PEDI Functional Skills Scale and the PEDI Caregiver Assistance Scale. RESULTS: Results of the multiple regression analysis showed that the PEDI Functional Skills scale scores were correlated with the Box and Block Test in the dominant hand and GMFCS (Adjusted R(2) = 0.69). The PEDI Caregiver Assistance Scale scores were correlated with the Box and Block Test in the dominant hand, GMFCS, and age (adjusted R(2) = 0.71). CONCLUSION: When considering self-care of children and adolescents with spastic CP, it is necessary to consider the evaluation of upper limb dysfunction in addition to GMFCS.