Determining the effect of upper extremity functional skills on quality of life and participation level in children with diparetic cerebral palsy

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of upper extremity functional skills on quality of life and participation level in children with diparetic Cerebral Palsy (CP). Children with CP between the ages of 5 and 16 who have active therapy in special education and rehabilitation centers and their healthy peer-aged groups were included. Children with Gross Motor Function (GMFCS) level of 1-2 and upper extremity muscle tone <2 according to Modiified Asworth Scale (MAS) were included in the study. Upper extremity functional skills were evaluated with the Jebson Taylor Hnad Function Test (JTEFT) and Abilhand Kids scale, the Quality of Life was assesed with Pediatric Quality of Life inventory (PedsQL), and participation levels was mesaured with the Pediatric Data Collection Tool (PODCI). Upper extremity functional skills, PedsQL and PODCI tests of children with CP were found to be significantly lower than healthy children (p<0,05). There was a positive correlation between Abilhand, PedsQL and PODCI in children with CP, a negative correlation between JTEFT subparameters and PedsQL social functionality, and a positive significant correlation between JTEFT and PODCI (p<0,05). As a result, a significant correlation was found between upper extremity functional skills and quality of life subparameters of children with diparetic CP (p<0,05). A significant correlation was found between the upper extremity functional skills of children with diparetic CP and the subparameters of participation levels (p<0,05). Keywords: Diparetic Cerebral Palsy; Upper Extremity Functional Skills; Quality of Life; Participation.