Comparision of motor functions according to nutrition type in children with cerebral palsy

Cengiz, E. Comparision of Motor Functions According to Nutrition Type in Children with Cerebral Palsy. Hacettepe University Institute of Health Sciences Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Program Master Thesis, Ankara, 2018. The aim of this study is comparision of motor functions according to motor functions in children with cerebral palsy (CP). 35 children with CP, an average age of 8,34 ± 3,38 years was included in the study. The cases were divided into two groups: oral (n = 19) and enteral (n = 16). Demographic information of the cases and CP subtype, nutritional status, prematurity status, recurrent lung infections, reflux and physical characteristics of the oral area were recorded. Levels of the gross motor skills were scaled with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Gross motor functions were scored, chewing performances and oral intake status were recorded. Quality of life of the cases was rated. In addition, anxiety and depression levels of caregivers were assessed. It was found that children who were fed enterally had more abnormalities in physical properties of the oral area (p<0.05). In this study, GMFCS levels (p<0.05) were increased, motor functions (p<0.05) were decreased, chewing skills (p<0.05) and the oral intake status (p<0.001) were worsened in children fed enterally. It was observed that the children who were fed enterally had a significant decrease in the quality of life scores and the depressive symptoms of caregivers increased (p<0.05). There was no difference in anxiety symptoms (p>0.05). There was a relationship between feeding type and all subscores and total score (r=-0.591) of gross motor function measurement (p<0.001). As a result, ambulance level, chewing performance, oral intake status and oral structure disorders are worsened as well as motor skill levels and functions of enterally fed children. Also, the quality of life of children fed enterally is decreasing, depression signs of caregivers are increasing. Considering these results, adding programs such as oral motor rehabilitation, functional chewing training, and feeding-related family education to the standard rehabilitation of children with severe motor disorders with CP, are important for the rehabilitation of nutritional disorders. Key Words: Enteral Nutrition, Motor Skills, Cerebral Palsy