Functional performance of young people with cerebral palsy: orientation program for caregivers

Abstract

Introduction: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is characterized by a motor dysfunction that can cause various lesions and impairments in individuals. An intervention program to promote these subjects’ development may contribute to improving their functional performance and participation in daily activities. Objectives: To implement an intervention program for improving the performance and independence of youths with functional CP in group homes and to evaluate the results. Methods: The study included ten residents with CP and their caregivers. We evaluated the functional performance before and after the intervention program with application of Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory to verify the effectiveness of the program. Results: The young people evaluated had a significant increase in scores in the areas of self-care (p = 0.03 and σ = 3.24) and social function (p = 0.001 and σ = 3.77) after the implementation of the program. Conclusion: A stimulation program can be effective when applied by caregivers, being highly relevant for the CP population.