The effect of lower extremity orthosis use on the quality of life in children with cerebral palsy

This study aimed to examine the effect of lower extremity orthosis use on quality of life in children with cerebral palsy. Thirty patients between the ages of 2 and 18, who were attending an outpatient physical therapy program in private physiotherapy and rehabilitation institutions operating in Batman province and using lower extremity orthoses were included in the study. Demographic information of the participants was collected with the prepared sociodemographic evaluation form, and the participants filled out the Gross Motor Function Classification (GMFCS), Functional Independence Measurement (WeeFIM) and Child Health Questionnaire Mother/Father Report (CHQ- PF50) scales. In the analyses, significant differences were found between genders in the communication (p=0,040) and social communication (p=0,032) sections of the participants' Functional Independence Scale and in their general health status (p=0,045) in the Child Health Survey-Parent Form. Gross Motor Classification System (p = 0,049), Functional Independence Scale self-care (p = 0,032), general health status in the Child Health Questionnaire-Parent Form (p = 0,014), body pain (p = 0,017), emotional state (p =0,044), emotional impact on the family (p=0,010), time impact on the family (p=0,034) and family activities (p=0,026) values were found to be significantly different when compared to orthosis use. Although the use of lower extremity orthosis in children with cerebral palsy has an effect on the quality of life, this effect is manifested not in all areas of life, but in general well-being, body pain, emotional and family effects.