ABSTRACT
Objective:To observe the effect of a family-centered task-oriented training (TOT) program on the functional independence and life quality of children with spastic cerebral palsy.Methods:A total of 62 children with spastic cerebral palsy were randomly divided into a control group ( n=31) and a TOT group ( n=31). The children in the control group were given family rehabilitation training according to the discharge instruction manual, while the children in the TOT group received family-centered TOT. Both groups trained for 1 hour once a day, 5 days a week for 6 months. The mobility, functional independence and life quality of the two groups were evaluated with the pediatric evaluation of disability inventory (PEDI), functional independence measures for Chinese children (WeeFIM) and a pediatric quality of life inventory (PedsQL) before and after 3 and 6 months of treatment. Results:After 6 months there was significant improvement in the average mobility, WeeFIM and PedsQL scores of both groups. The average mobility, WeeFIM and PedsQL scores of the TOT group were then significantly better than those of the control group.Conclusion:Family-centered TOT training can significantly improve the functional independence and life quality of children with spastic cerebral palsy.