The relationship between trunk control, functional independence and functional capacity in childeren with cerebral palsy

Trunk muscles are negatively affected in children with cerebral palsy, and they could be associated with trunk control, functional independence and functional capacity. The aim of the study is to determine the relationship between trunk control, functional independence and functional capacity in children with cerebral palsy. The study is an observational descriptive study, one of the quantitative research methods. 25 children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy who are in levels I, II and III according to Gross Motor Function Classification System and between the ages of 5-18 years included in the study. The functional levels of the children included in the study determined according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Trunk control assessed with Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), functional independence assessed by the Functional Independence Measurement for Children (WeeFIM), and functional capacity assessed with 6-minute walk test (6MWT). The relationship between parameters examined by analyzing all the results. Significant relationship was found between GMFCSS, TIS, 6 MWT and WeeFIM. SPSS 22.0 used for statistical evaluation of the data. Statistical significance level accepted as p<0,05. As a result of the study, it was seen that trunk control was associated with functional independence and functional capacity.