The Effect of Comprehensive Art Therapy on Physical Performance and Activities of Daily Living in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Purpose : To evaluate the effect of comprehensive art therapy on physical function and activities of daily living in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods : Ten ambulant children with diplegic (n=8) or hemiplegic (n=2) CP participated in this study. All were randomly assigned to either the art therapy group (n=5) or the control group (n=5). Both groups received physical therapy based on neurodevelopmental techniques for 20 minutes a day, 1 day a week, for a period of 12 weeks. Children in the art therapy group received additional comprehensive art therapy for 70 minutes once a week for 3 months. Tests for various measurements―Motricity Index (MI) for strength, Trunk Control Test (TCT) for trunk ability, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) for gross motor function, Denver Developmental Screening Test-II (DDST-II) for developmental milestones, Functional Independence Measure of Children (WeeFIM) for abilities to complete daily activities, Leg and Hand Ability Test (LHAT) for limb function―were performed before and after treatments. Results : The upper extremity and whole extremity strengths of MI, self-care and total scores of WeeFIM, and leg and arm functions of LHAT improved significantly only for individuals in the art therapy group after the art therapy (p<.05). The value of MI after treatment was at the upper extremity and whole extremity strengths the leg function of LHAT was also significantly improved compared to the control group (p<.05). Conclusion : This study revealed that comprehensive art therapy along with physiotherapy was effective in increasing upper extremity strength and leg ability in children with CP. This suggests that comprehensive art therapy may be a useful adjunctive therapy for children with CP.