Affiliations: [a] Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA | [b] Seattle Children's Research Institute, Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Kristie F. Bjornson,, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 2001 8th Ave, SCW 8-6, Seattle, WA 98121, USA. E-mail:kristie.bjornson@seattlechildrens.org
Abstract: PURPOSE: To examine the relationship of physical activity (PA) and
walking performance to QOL in ambulatory children with CP, as function is
not consistently associated with QOL in this population. METHODS: A secondary analysis of a cross-sectional cohort of 128
ambulatory children with CP, ages 2.2-9.9 years and GMFCS levels I-III, was
employed. Individual multivariate regression models were developed for
physical, psychosocial, and total domains of QOL as measured by the
Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) controlling for physical
activity and walking performance, participation level and frequency,
topography of CP, walking capacity, age, and satisfaction with
participation. RESULTS: Physical, psychosocial and total QOL averaged 52.2, 60.9,
and 56.5 respectively. PA was positively associated with physical (0.64,
p < 0.01) and total QOL (0.54, p < 0.01). Walking performance was associated
with physical QOL (0.16, p = 0.05), participation level was positively related
to psychosocial (0.44, p < 0.01), and age negatively for all QOL domains (>
-0.43, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity, walking performance, and level of
participation in daily life are associated with varying domains of QOL.
Future work should explore factors that influence the relationship of daily
physical/walking activity and participation to QOL in children with
ambulatory CP as they age.
Keywords: Quality of life, cerebral palsy, physical activity, walking activity
