Aim: The objective of this study is to compare the cardiorespiratory state of individuals with hemiparetic cerebral palsy and healthy
individuals.
Material and Methods: The demographic information of 40 individuals were evaluated. Then their body mass index and frequency
and duration of physiotherapy were questioned. Gross motor skill levels with the Gross Motor Classification System (GMCS),
flexibility with the sit and reach test, cardiorespiratory endurance with the 6-minute walking test and independence in daily life
activities with the WeeFIM survey were evaluated. Oxygen saturation, respiration frequency and heart rate were recorded before and
after evaluation.
Results: 20 individuals with hemiparetic cerebral palsy (%55 female, %45 male) (with an age average of 9.7± 1.94) and 20 individuals
as the control group (%65 female, %35 male) (with an age average of 9.1± 1.83) were included in the study. According to the sixminute
test analysis, no important variety was observed between the two groups in terms with regard oxygen saturation, respiration
frequency and heart rate parameters prior to and after the test (p>0.05). A statistically significant difference was observed between
the patient and control groups in terms of walking distance (p=0.001) and the WeeFIM total score (p= 0.001) and flexibility test
(p=0.001).
Conclusion: Remarkably, walking distance, WeeFIM total score and flexibility test in patients with cerebral palsy can give an idea
about prognosis and the adverse effects of disease in early period on patients physical, psychological and social development.
Key words: Cerebral Palsy; 6 Minute Walking; Weefim; GMFCS; Flexibility.
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