Evaluation of the Relationship Between Birth Type, Gross Motor Function, Trunk Control and Level of Functional Independence in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between birth type, gross motor function, trunk control and functional independence in children with hemiplegic and diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Method: Twenty-two children with CP were included in the study. Gross motor function levels of the children participating in the study were determined according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). The Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) was used to assess trunk control and the Paediatric Functional Independence Scale (WeeFIM) was used to determine functional independence. Results: A total of 22 children with CP, including 10 hemiplegic (45.5%) and 12 diplegic (54.5%) children, were included in the study. 82.8% were girls (n=18), 18.2% were boys (n=4), and the mean age was 10.40 ± 4.38 years. Of the participants, 54.5% were born by caesarean section and 45.5% by vaginal delivery. A moderate, negative correlation was found between TIS and gender (r=-0.44; p<0.05). A moderate, negative correlation was found between diagnosis and WeeFIM (r=-0.45; p<0.05). WeeFIM results were significantly higher in children with haemiplegic CP. A moderate, positive correlation was found between mode of birth and GMFCS (r=0.46; p<0.05). A moderate, negative correlation was found between TIS and GMFCS (r=-0.46; p<0.05). No correlation was found between TIS and WeeFIM (r=0.02; p>0.05). Conclusion: As a result, it was observed that trunk impairment increased as the gross motor function classification of the children increased. The level of gross motor function was higher in vaginal deliveries. No correlation was found between trunk control and functional independence levels.