Characteristics of cerebral palsy children using supportive seating chairs at special seating unit of CRP

Abstract

Purpose: The main purpose of the study was to determine characteristic of Cerebral Palsy children using supportive seating at Special seating unit of CRP from January 2010 to December 2015 for 50 cases with cerebral palsy. Objectives: The research was carried out in order find out demographic profiles of the users, the most frequent type of chair, and length of using a chair, effectiveness of the chair, variation of seating ability, emotional expression and degree of concentration towards baby with regards to use the special chair. Method: A prospective cross sectional study was carried out to accomplish research objectives. Results: The results of the study show mean user age of supportive seating (6 years ± 3.30), 60% users are male, mean length of time of special seating used (3 years ± 1.95),Developed ability to seat with standard posture among 36 cases (72%), Developed ability to seat but posture is yet to correct among 10 cases (20% of the total outcome) and 4 cases (8% of the total outcome). It is shows that the special seating is effective device to improve seating ability, P=0,001. 62% Cerebral palsy children used to cry most of the time but after using chair n=37 (74%) children seemed to be calm (p=0.001). Parents need to pay less attention after having the chair (p=0.001), which is allowing parents spending their own time. Group 2 Supporting seating (G2) is the most frequent prescribed devices n=34 (68%). The research also found that there is a relationship between the type of special seating and its effectiveness. Group 2 or 3 is more effective than G1. It is because; patents use G1 for only short time for the children age from 6 months to 2 years. However, after significant postural development, a supportive seating is progressed from G1 to G2/G3. 22% parents (n=11) found difficulty in transferring their children from chair and get into chair. It has been associated with the weight of the children. The more weight that a child will gain will create impact on transferring. The study also found that n=20 (40%) children are attending school using the supportive seating which ultimately enhancing socialization. It has been found that there is an association between child’s playing activity and attending school (p< 0.05). Most of the parents n=37 (74%) had taken financial support from the social welfare department.