The effects of participation restrictions in children with cerebral palsy on the physical activity levels, functional capacity, and quality of life of their caregiver mothers

This study aims to investigate the participation restrictions in children with cerebral palsy, and the effects on the physical activity level, functional capacity, and quality of life of their caregiving mothers. A total of 82 mothers under the age of 50 who had been providing care to a child with SP for at least five years were included in the study. The physical activity levels of the participating mothers were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and their quality of life was evaluated with the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Functional capacity and mobility were measured using the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), the 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test (30s-STS), and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). Also, postural alignment were assessed by New York Postural Analysis, and the tightness of the lower extremity muscles were assessed manually. The children's level of participation was determined using the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI). The findings revealed that improvements in the children's transfer ability, sports-related activity, and overall functional status had a positive impact on the mothers' physical capacity, balance, mobility, and quality of life. Mothers with higher physical performance were found to be more active, walked longer distances, and reported feeling more energetic. Moreover, a positive and significant association was found between sit-to-stand performance and both physical activity level and 6MWT distance. Longer TUG durations were associated with lower scores in several subdomains of quality of life. The results demonstrate that reducing participation restrictions in children affects not only the child but also plays a determining role in the physical health well-being of caregiving mothers. Consequently, it is concluded that physiotherapy and rehabilitation approaches should adopt a holistic perspective that includes both the child and the caregiver.