Engagement of children with cerebral palsy in daily life

Abstract

Objective. Active engagement of children with cerebral palsy in daily life activities is a predictor of general social participation and is crucial for their quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of participation of children with cerebral palsy in family and recreational activities and self-care, as well as the level of their enjoyment in those activities. Method. The study included 50 children aged 7 to 11 years. The experimental group consisted of 25 students with cerebral palsy while the control group encompassed 25 students from the typically developing population. The Child Engagement in Daily Life questionnaire was used in the study. The instrument is intended for parents to describe and evaluate a child's participation in family and recreational activities and self-care. It consists of 18 items. The Gross Motor Function Classification System - GMFCS was also used in the study. Results. The results show that children from the typically developing population have a significantly higher level of participation in family and recreational activities and self-care than children with cerebral palsy (p=0.00). Children with more pronounced motor difficulties participate less in family and recreational activities and self-care. There are no statistically significant differences in levels of enjoyment in activities of daily life between children from the typically developing population and children with cerebral palsy. Conclusion. Professionals have an important role in defining treatment areas which allows them to contribute to enhancing the level of participation of children with cerebral palsy in all domains of daily life. The success of rehabilitation should not be measured solely by academic achievement of the target group, but also by the level of independence in family and recreational activities as well as self-care.