Abstract:

Objective: Aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of performing the International classification of functioning, disability and health: children and youth version (ICF-CY) on the description of functioning, disability and health in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: Thirty children with diplegic or hemiplegic CP (13 girls: 17 boys) with a mean age of 9.13±2.2 years (6-13 years) participated in the study. For ICF core set, 35 categories were selected which were most suitable for children with CP. In addition, gait and balance tests, gross motor function measurement, Wee-FIM for Children Scale and Child Health Questionnaire-Mother/Father Report (CHQ-PF50) were also used. Body structure and function, activity and participation of each child and limiting and facilitating factors of their environment were coded. Results: The ICF core set body functions, activity-participation, walking and balance tests, Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88), Pediatric Functional Independence Measure (WEEFIM) were found to be moderately correlated (p<0.05). There was a weak to moderate correlation between ICF core set body functions and activity-participation and CHQ-PF50 (p<0.05). There was a weak correlation between ICF core set environmental factors and walking and balance tests, GMFM-88, WEEFIM, and CHQ-PF50 (p<0.05). Conclusion: We think that the ICF is an effective conceptual framework for defining functioning, disability and health in children with CP, that ICF system can be used as a reference assessment criterion and that it will guide physiotherapists working with children with CP.

Keywords: