Postura corporal, qualidade de vida e sobrecarga de cuidadores de crianças e adolescentes com paralisia cerebral

Abstract

Cerebral palsy is one of the most frequent and important neurological problems that occurs at stage of the brain development. We can define a cerebral palsy as a movement and postural disorder due to a defect or injury to the devolving brain, these disorders lead to a functional impairment. These impairments and restrictions affect the child's and caregiver's routine. The caregivers of children with cerebral palsy usually have multiple responsibilities in addressing to the child's incapacity, keeping the demands of daily life and effectively address the chronic health problems of their children is a challenge. This study investigated the body posture, quality of life and the burden of caregivers of children and teens with cerebral palsy in the health care network at the public and philanthropic service in the town of Santa Maria/RS.We utilized questionnaires of burden (Burden Interview Scale) and quality of life (WHOQOL-bref). The evaluation of the static posture was based on the parameters of the Bernard Bricot's posturology. The results showed that the caregivers (n=7) were mostly mothers (64%) with moderate scores of burden and postural imbalances in the sagittal and frontal planes. When compared, the caregivers of quadriplegic children (n=9) had lower quality of life scores than hemiplegic and diplegic (n=8) with a significant difference on physical abilities and social relationships. The study shows the importance of providing caregivers an effective support and rehabilitation process for children and teens with cerebral palsy to improve the quality of life of those involved in the complex task of caring.