The relationship of 3-meter backward walk test withproprioception, trunk control and muscle strength inchildren with cerebral palsy

THE RELATİONSHİP OF 3-METER BACKWARD WALK TEST WİTH PROPRİOCEPTİON, TRUNK CONTROL AND MUSCLE STRENGTH IN CHİLDREN WİTH CEREBRAL PALSY This study was conducted to investigate the relationship of the 3-meter backward walk test (3MBWT) with proprioception, trunk control and muscle strength in children with cerebral palsy (CP). 30 children with CP with a mean age of 10.43±2.76 and living within the borders of Gaziantep, received treatment at Gaziantep Special Education and Rehabilitation Center between June 2021 and January 2022, were included. Inclusion criteria were Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) ≤ 3, spasticity ≤2 according to Modified Ashworth Scale (MASH), Level-I and II according to Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), no known vision problems, being able to follow verbal commands, and not having epileptic seizures. Back-walking skills were evaluated with the 3MBWT. For proprioception, a digital goniometer, for trunk control Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS), for muscle strength digital muscle dynamometer, for gait assessment Gillette Functional Gait Assessment Questionnaire (GFGAQ) was used. According to GMFCS levels I and II, when lower extremity muscles spasticity were compared; a significant difference was found in hamstring, gastro-soleus, and gastrocnemius, when the results of 3MBWT, TCMS and GFGAQ were compared, a significant difference was found for all tests, in favor of level I (p<0.05). When the relationship between 3MBWT and lower extremity proprioception, trunk control and gait was examined, no relationship was found (p>0.05). A significant negative correlation was found between 3MBWT and GFGAQ. When the relationship between 3MBWT and lower extremity muscle strength was examined, no relationship was found (p>0.05). When the relationship between lower extremity proprioception and lower extremity muscle strength of children with CP was examined, a positive significant correlation was found only between hip extension proprioception and iliopsoas muscle strength (p=0.023). When the relationship between GFGAQ and lower extremity muscle strength was examined, no relationship was found (p>0.05). As a result, as the forward walking function improves in children with CP, the backward walking ability also increases; however, it was found not to be affected by proprioception, trunk control and muscle strength. Keywords: Cerebral Palsy; 3 Meter Back Walk Test; Proprioception; Trunk Control; Muscle Strength