Relation Between Quality of Life of Mothers of Children With Cerebral Palsy and the Children's Motor Functioning, After Ten Months of Rehabilitation

Cejane Oliveira Martins Prudente,Celmo Celeno Porto,Maria Alves Barbosa

doi:10.1590/s0104-11692010000200002

Cejane Oliveira Martins Prudente, Celmo Celeno Porto + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s0104-11692010000200002

Copy DOI

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the quality of life of mothers of children with cerebral palsy, correlated with the evolution of their children's gross motor function after ten months of rehabilitation. An observational, longitudinal study was carried out in Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil, involving 100 mothers and children with cerebral palsy. The children's motor function was evaluated using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and the mothers' quality of life using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). After ten months of rehabilitation, the children's gross motor function had significantly improved (p<0.001), while the mothers only presented a significant improvement (p<0.001) in the bodily pain domain. The improvement in the motor function of children with cerebral palsy did not influence the changes in the mothers' quality of life.

Highlights

Cerebral palsy is a complex clinical entity, with high incidence levels, a range of severity levels and several complications, often needing special care
Few studies were identified which assess the quality of life of mothers of children with cerebral palsy
The quality of life assessment instrument was the same used in the present research, but the results could be considered in disagreement with regard to the percentage improvements in each domain of the mothers’ quality of life after three months, with 5% on functional capacity, 10% on physical conditions, 6% on pain, 9% on general health status, 8% on vitality, 8% on social conditions, 23% on emotional conditions and 12% on mental health

Summary

Introduction

Cerebral palsy is a complex clinical entity, with high incidence levels, a range of severity levels and several complications, often needing special care. The motor disorders of cerebral palsy are often accompanied by disturbances of sensation, perception, cognition, communication, and behavior, by epilepsy, and by secondary musculoskeletal problems”(1). Another aspect that cannot be ignored is the impact of cerebral palsy on the family’s internal dynamics, due to the fact that its members are confronted with a different reality that demands new functions. These sudden changes generate conflicts and sudden changes in routines, generally putting the greatest overload on the mother[2]. The way parents adjust is crucial for the future well being of the child and the entire family[3]

Objectives

Results

Conclusion