Spine of Caregivers of Children with Cerebral Palsy

Parents' quality of life was measured using the Nottingham Health Profile. The scale has two parts. 0 represents the best health status, 100 the worst. Score on the scale and health status have an inverse relationship. As the score increases, the health status deteriorates.

Functional problems related to the neck were assessed using the Neck Disability Index. The scale has 10 items. There are 6 options in each item and each option is scored between 0 and 5 depending on the severity of the limitation. Although the total score of the survey varies between 0 and 50, a higher score indicates an increase in limitation.

Oswestry Disability Index was used to determine the degree of disability. The scale consists of a total of 10 items measuring the severity of pain, personal care, lifting, walking, sitting, standing, social life, sleeping, travel and pain degree. Each item is rated between 0-5. As the total score increases, the disability level increases. The maximum score is 50 points; Between 31 and 50 points is considered severe, between 11 and 30 points is considered moderate, and between 1 and 10 points is considered mild.

Spine evaluation was performed with a spinal mouse device. The device is a computer-aided electromagnetic device that can be held by hand and used to measure spinal mobility in various postures.

Sociodemographic information of the caregivers, such as name, surname, age, gender, height, weight, BMI, and educational status, were recorded.

The pain intensity of the patients was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale. The pain intensity score ranges from 0 to 10. An increase in the score indicates an increase in pain; a decrease in the score indicates a decrease in pain.

Gross Motor Function Classification System (Children with Cerebral Palsy are classified in 5 levels (1-5) according to their motor skills, functional abilities, assistive technology and wheelchair requirements)