The effects of COVID-19 restrictions on gross motor function of children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Purpose. COVID-19 is an extremely infectious, life-threatening viral illness that has constituted a global public health emergency. Rehabilitation programs of children with cerebral palsy were interrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of COVID-19 restrictions on gross motor function of children with cerebral palsy.
 Material and Methods. In this study, a survey of fifty eight cerebral palsied children of both genders who received physical therapy recruited from three hospitals in Cairo, Egypt (October 6 university hospital -6th of October general hospital- El Hosary hospital- Zaid general hospital- Zaid specialled hospital- Private physical therapy centers). It was done through paediatrics Quality of life inventory (cerebral therapy module) to compare between the level of the children’s quality of life before and after frequent stopping of physical therapy sessions due to covid-19 pandemic.
 Results. The result of this study shows that there was a significant difference in movement and balance before and after the lockdown (p <0.001). The mean value was decreased from 54.1% to 33.3%. Also, there was a significant decrease in Pain and hurt (p<0.001) from 68.2% to 37.1% and in fatigue (p<0.001) from 58.8% to 37.8%. Regarding age there was a significant difference between different age groups regarding daily activities (p<0.001), pain (p<0.010) and fatigue (p<0.030), while after lockdown, there was a significant difference between different age groups regarding daily activities (p<0.001) and fatigue (p<0.001).
 Conclusion. Children with cerebral palsy were protected from COVID-19 exposure by staying at home, but their rehabilitation activities were disrupted. Therefore, during pandemics, caregivers must develop effective homecare therapy procedures, and healthcare professionals must routinely reassess the state of the child and caregiver. Additionally, caregivers of children with CP should experience less stress and anxiety. Children with CP can get multidisciplinary support, effective communication, and contact between medical professionals and families.