RESPIRATORY FUNCTION IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

Abstract

Purpose: to characterize the pulmonary function of children with cerebral palsy (CP) and to compare it with children with typical development (TD). Methods: the study was with 20 children TD and 21 CP, both sexes aged between 6-12 years (9.41 ± 1.47), with cognitive ability to perform the spirometry test. Wilcoxon / Mann Whitney test hypothesis compare the values obtained in both groups and intragroup in relation to gender and in the functional classifications of CP. Results: TD group showed a significant difference and higher spirometry values in males, whereas for children with CP there was no difference in relation to sex. In addition, the TD group demonstrated better values of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) than the CP group. There were significant differences and better spirometric values for children with CP less compromised in the comparisons between the functional, topographic levels, and functional gait pattern. Conclusion: there is a tendency towards obstructive and restrictive breathing patterns in the children with CP, observable mainly by the decrease in FVC, FEV1, and PEF compared DT. CP children with worse functionality have greater respiratory impairments.