Physical Functional Abilities in Adults with Cerebral Palsy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Self perceived and actual changes in physical functional abilities in adults with Cerebral Palsy
IRAS ID
144818
Contact name
Ram Krishnamurthy
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Whilst working with young adults with Cerebral Palsy, I noticed that they received significant amount of input from the Paediatric Services, within schools. However, when they completed schooling and continued on to further career options, the input provided by the health service decreased and there was a sudden shift of emphasis and responsibility onto the individual in accessing these services. This had a negative impact on the individuals’ physical functioning and they frequently accessed adult rehabilitation services. This indicated that the current management strategies were not addressing all issues in the transition from child to adult services. Further, some studies show that skills become difficult during adulthood in individuals with Cerebral Palsy. As age progresses they find it difficult to do daily tasks which were easier in the past. This research aims to investigate these skills in adulthood. The research purpose is to explore what people with Cerebral Palsy think about their performance in daily tasks such as dressing, washing and walking and compare this with the actual performance in the clinic. This will help us to develop appropriate self management strategies. Phase one of the study consists of the participants filling in two standardised questionnaires and then participating in a clinical assessment of their daily tasks. For phase two, five individuals who participated in part one of this study, will be chosen for an interview on another day. If necessary more participants will be chosen for the interview until data theme saturation is achieved. This interview will give a chance to discuss what the individuals think about their daily performance, in light of their actual abilities which were assessed in the clinic. The interviews will also explore how they would like to manage their daily tasks and maintain their skills as age progresses.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/YH/0346
Date of REC Opinion
20 Aug 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion