Impact of COVID pandemic situation on the children with Cerebral Palsy?

Oral Presentation A4.3

Authors

  • Mayuri Gad St. Xavier’s Gait Lab
  • Atul Bhaskar Children Orthopaedic Clinic
  • Chasanal Rathod SRCC Children’s Hospital

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.391

Keywords:

Cerebral Palsy, Covid Pandemic, Ambulation, Orthosis, Physiotherapy

Abstract

Background: Children with cerebral palsy and their families have been impacted by the Covid pandemic situation. Children with CP and their parents are affected by the Covid pandemic, due to lack of formal schooling and lack of rehabilitation, all this has impacted their daily routine. Objective: The survey aimed to study the impact of the Covid pandemic on the accessibility of physical therapy, orthotic aids, and also individual behavior changes in children with cerebral palsy. Methods: Online survey was conducted with the parent using 9 part survey consisting of 26 questions that explored the experiences of children and their families during the lockdown. Demographics data, ambulatory status, lack of access to physiotherapy, orthotic adjustment, surgery, deterioration, and behavior from a parent as collected. Results: 101 children with cerebral palsy with mean age 10.32(5.20) out of which 36(34.3%) were male and 69(65.7%) were females. During lockdown 39 (38.6%) of children were taking regular physiotherapy, 36(35.6%) children had irregular therapy sessions and 26(25.7%) children didn’t take therapy. Due to lack of rehabilitation and lack of inability of the parent to perform exercises, there was deterioration in ambulatory status  57(56.4%) of children. 34(33.7%) children had worsened in the function of the upper limb. 42(41.6%) children had increased joint contracture and deformity. 64(63.4%) children had an increase in muscle stiffness. 45(44.6%) children had changed in behavior due to prolonged sitting at home, increased anger, aggression(n=4,(45.5%), and change in (n=29,28.7%)eating pattern. 30(29.7%) children gain weight more than 5kg due to increased sitting time and sedentary behavior. Conclusion: The survey revealed major consequences, such therapy services were massively interpreted, the parent had difficulties in managing the child therapy at home. There is always a possibility that the pandemic will repeat itself, so our approach toward physical therapy assessment and rehabilitation of children with disabilities needs to be reevaluated and revamped by shifting our focus toward home-based and family-centered care. These approaches can help bridge the gap in the delivery of physical therapy services for children with disabilities in times of COVID-19.  

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Gad, M., Bhaskar, A., & Rathod, C. (2021). Impact of COVID pandemic situation on the children with Cerebral Palsy? Oral Presentation A4.3. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.391