The effect of dynamic balance on functional level and walking speed in late spastic cerebral palsy

DEMİRÖZ, İ. The Effect of Dynamic Balance on Functional Level and Walking Speed in Late Spastic Cerebral Palsy. Hasan Kalyoncu University, Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Master's Thesis , Gaziantep, 2018. In this study, it was aimed to research the effect of dynamic balance on functional level and walking speed in late spastic cerebral palsy. The study was conducted with twenty-four patients who are diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy at the age of fifteen and over. Clinical and demographic information of the patients was recorded. All cases were classified according to Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), and the level 1 individual according to GMFCS (showing motor limitaton level) were taken into operation. For functional level, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) was used. For the assessment of dynamic balance, Four-Step Square Test (FSST) and Functional Reach Test were used. Walking speed (Cadance) and fear of falling, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) on individuals were examined. As a result of the examinations, it was found that there was a strong correlation between FSST and GMFM. It is monitored that as the functional level increased, dynamic balance increased, too (p<0,05). It is monitored that there was a significant relationship between FSST and cadance. It is determined that as dynamic increased the walking speed increased, too (p<0,05). It is found that there was a strong correlation between VAS and FSST. It is seen that as the fear of falling increased the dynamic balance decreased (p<0,05). As a result; it is observed that dynamic balance is related to functional level and walking speed; as dynamic balance increased functional level and walking speed increased.