The Effects of Occupational Therapy Intervention on the Independence of Children with Cerebral Palsy

Background. Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition of impaired movement or positioning arising from the immature brain defect or subsequent damage. Occupational therapy can be defined as a broad method of support enabling the affected person to get through the everyday situations independently and responsibly. Research aim. The aim of the research was to assess the requirements and impact of occupational therapy on the independence of children with cerebral palsy. Methods. The study was conducted at children’s rehabilitation sanatorium in “Palanga Amber”, Palanga. Researched sample consisted of 30 children (and their parents/guardians) with cerebral palsy who were at the second stage of their rehabilitation treatment. The average age of the researched group was 9.3 ± 3.9 years. Both girls and boys were of the same age on average, i.e. the age across both genders was distributed evenly. Children who participated in the research were selected at random. Children’s independence was assessed using standardised Taxonomy Test before and after the occupational therapy. A questionnaire, devised by the author of this study, was used to capture parents’ (guardians’) opinions on the occupational therapy. The questionnaire was filled in during the last session of occupational therapy. Results. At the very start of the occupational therapy the average score on Taxonomy test was 78.7 ± 20.5 points, whilst at the end of the treatment it increased to 87 ± 21.5 points. Children’s independence levels significantly improved across the entire researched sample (p < 0.05) (with the statistical confidence level of 95 per cent). After the occupational therapy the average of girls’ points increased significant by 7.5 ± 3.6 points (p < 0.05) and at the end of occupational therapy reached 83.8 ± 22.8 points. Assessment of the alteration/changes of boys’ independence was statistically significant as well and during the occupational therapy increased by 8.8 ± 4.5 points (p < 0.05) reaching 80.4 ± 20.2 points. Questioned 11 (37%) parents of the girls with cerebral palsy told that the independence skills of their children increased after the occupational therapy and 1 (%) parent told that the occupational therapy had no positive influence to the child. Parents of boys with cerebral palsy indicated that independence skills for 17 (57%) of boys increased and had no positive influence to 1 (3%) child. Parent questionnaire results revealed that the occupational therapy had a significant impact on the independence of children with cerebral palsy. Conclusions. We suggest that occupational therapy had a significant impact on children with cerebral palsy independently of their gender, age, condition, etc. Parents were of the opinion that their children readily participated in occupational therapy sessions and applied their learned skills in their everyday activity. Most parents (94%) told that occupational therapy was necessary to their children and it led to the improvement of children’s independence skills.Keywords: cerebral palsy, occupational therapy, independence.