Abstract
A multivariate analysis of the ADL and other factors affecting the ADL in cerebral palsied children was performed. The subjects were 63 children with cerebral palsy (CP), ranging in age from five to twelve (average age, 7.4±1.8 years). A new ADL test consisting of 17 items was employed in this study. The ADL of the children was evaluated by their own therapists, and the children were classified into three grades, “good”, “poor” and “unable”. “Good” indicated independent action and “poor” partial independence or too much time.
The results of the ADL test, age, sex, the type of motor palsy, I. Q. and the motor age of the upper and lower extremities were analysed. The meaning of the first to the third principal components was discussed. The first principal component was coincident with the upper motor function and explained about 50% of the variation of ADL in CP children. The second principal component had a relationship to trunk balance and cooperative activities. The third principal component signified motor function of the lower extremities. The I. Q. showed a high factor loading of the first principal component and affected eating, dressing and hy giene activities along with the motor age of the upper extremities. Locomotive activities were severely inhibited. The walking and climbing stairs activities had a high correlation with the motor age of both the lower and upper extremities.
These results suggested that the motor age of the upper extremities was the most important factor in the ADL of CP children.
