Impact of lower extremity task-oriented training on the quality of life of children with cerebral palsy

Introduction
Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) often have poor Quality of Life (QOL). Task-oriented training (TOT) is a neurological rehabilitation technique that may improve their QOL. This study investigated the effect of lower extremity TOT on QOL of children with CP.

Material and methods
Participants were recruited from outpatient Physiotherapy clinics of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, and Usman International School Kano. They were randomly assigned into TOT and Conventional Physiotherapy Exercise (Control Group [CG]). The TOT practiced were unloaded and loaded sit to stand, forward step up, high stick stepping, circular movement and stair climbing and descending twice weekly for 12 weeks. QOL was assessed using CP-QOL questionnaire at baseline, 6^th and 12^th weeks and after 6 weeks of follow up. Data were analysed using repeated measures Anova and independent samples t-test at α˂0.05.

Results
A total of 46 children were recruited but 39 (TOT 20, CG 19) completed the study. The QOL of children in the two groups was comparable at baseline [P>0.05]. There were significant improvements in QOL within-group in both TOT (F [1.63, 30.87] = 145.877, P˂0.0001) and CG (F [3, 54) = 23.841, P˂0.0001]. There were significant between-group differences in QOL at the 6th (t=3.98, df=37, p<0.001) and 12th (t=8.116, df=37, p<0.001) weeks and at 6 weeks follow up (t=9.14, df=37, p< 0.001).

Conclusions
Both TOT and Conventional Physiotherapy Exercise have improved the QOL of children with CP. TOT is more effective than conventional Physiotherapy Exercise for the improvement of QoL.