Determination of activity impairment and participation of children with cerebral palsy in the formation of an individual rehabilitation program

The main cause of children's disability is cerebral palsy (CP), which leads to varying degrees of impaired activity and functioning of children. The early intervention program (ER) for up to 4 years, that is, an individual rehabilitation program for up to 4 years, contributes to improving the functional capabilities of the child and reducing the risk of secondary complications in children with CP. Aim - to conduct a comparative analysis of impaired activity and functioning of children with spastic forms of cerebral palsy, depending on the availability of RV services for children under 4 years of age. Materials and methods. The study involved 105 children aged 4-14 years, divided into two groups: Group A (43 children who received EI) and Group B (62 children who did not). Assessment was conducted using standardized international classifications. Results. Children of group A had significantly lower values and there was a statistically significant difference in the indicators of such concomitant conditions with CP, such as: nutritional disorders (p=0.018), orthopedic complications (p=0.001). Also, in the children of group A compared to group B, lower values were observed in such categories as: pain and discomfort (67.4% versus 80.6%), quick fatigue (65.1% versus 74.2%), violations language (69.8% versus 75.8%). In the categories: hearing impairment (p=0.744), visual impairment (p=0.984) and epileptic seizures (p=0.469) statistically significant differences between groups were not found. Conclusions. An individual rehabilitation program within the framework of the EI service from birth to 4 years has a positive effect on the prevention of secondary complications in children with CP, contributing to the improvement of their functioning, performance of activities and participation of children with CP. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of all participating institutions. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.