Expectations from Rehabilitation of Children with Cerebral Palsy: The Agreement between the Physiotherapists and Mothers

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the agreement between physiotherapists (PTs) and mothers (Ms) about the treatment of children with cerebral palsy (CP) who received treatment in special education and rehabilitation centers.

Subjects: Ms of 130 children with CP (75 boys, 55 girls) and 130 PTs who applied rehabilitation programs were interviewed.

Methods: Clinical types and gross motor function levels of the children were recorded. A questionnaire consisting of 6 open-ended questions was used to describe the expectations and views of the PTs and Ms about the physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs for the children.

Results: The mean age of the children was 89.80±52.05 months. The mean treatment period for the children was 73.62±42.11 months. The mean age of the mothers was 35.47±5.79 years, and the mean age of the PTs was 28.07±7.28 years. We found a statistically moderate level of agreement between the PTs and Ms regarding the appropriateness of the treatment provided to the children. There was statistically insignificant agreement regarding the applied treatment methods and the appropriateness of the applied rehabilitation programs.

Conclusion: We believe that the views and expectations of the Ms should be taken into account by the PTs when preparing a treatment program for children with CP. © 2014 The Society of Physical Therapy Science.