Correlation Between Body Mass Index, Selectivity, and Functional Independence in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Objectives: This study aimed to detect the relationship between body mass index (BMI), selective voluntary motor control (SVMC), and functional independence in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) with levels II and III of gross motor function classification system. Methods: A total of eighty-four children with spastic diplegic CP, aged 6-9 years with a mean age of 7.09±0.68 participated in this correlational study. BMI, selective control assessment of the lower extremity (SCALE), and pediatric functional independence measure (WEE FIM) were used for the assessment of BMI, SVMC, and functional independence, respectively. Results: The results demonstrated the presence of a positive strong significant correlation between SCALE and WEE FIM, a negative strong significant correlation between WEE FIM and BMI, and a negative moderate significant correlation between BMI and SCALE. Discussion: Functional independence is significantly correlated with BMI and SVMC in children with spastic diplegic CP. This study provides original evidence that BMI and SVMC are major factors that influence functional independence in these children. So, they are highly recommended to be part of the evaluation of their functional independence in clinical settings and research.