Mendeley  

Zotero  

Gharib M, Shayestehazar M, Kazemi K, Moradi M, Nezamoddini M. The Relationship Between Gait Parameters, Behavioral Problems, and Health-related Quality of Life in Children With Cerebral Palsy. jrehab 2025; 26 (3) :328-343
URL: http://rehabilitationj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-3628-en.html

Objective Cerebral palsy (CP), a neuromotor condition, is the most common physical disability in children, associated with motor impairment, leading to behavioral problems, which can decline health-related quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to examine the association between gait parameters, behavioral problems, and QoL in pediatric CP. 
Materials & Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 children with CP aged 6-12 years, at levels I, II, III based on the gross motor function classification system (GMFCS), and with walking ability. Assessment tools included the functional mobility scale (FMS), the pediatric quality of life inventory (PedsQL) CP module, the child behavior checklist (CBCL), and quantitative gait analysis.
Results Findings revealed significant differences in gait parameters (gait speed, cadence, and stride length), PedsQL CP module domains, and CBCL domains among children with different GMFCS levels; those at level III demonstrated lower gait parameters and PedsQL CP module scores and higher CBCL scores (P<0.05). Gait speed had a moderate positive correlation with the PedsQL CP module score (r=0.42, P<0.01) and a weak negative association with the CBCL score (r=-0.313, P<0.05). Internalizing behaviors had a significant negative association with emotional functioning (r=-0.483, P<0.01), whereas externalizing behaviors had a significant negative association with social functioning (r=-0.374, P<0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed that gait speed (β=0.382, P<0.01) and internalizing behaviors (β=-0.454, P<0.01) were significant independent predictors of QoL, explaining 52% of the variance.
Conclusion There is a complex relationship among mobility, behavioral problems, and QoL in children with CP. The interventions should target both physical and psychological factors to enhance functional mobility, behaviors, and the QoL of these children.