Cerebral Palsy, Constipation, Physical Activity
Conditions
Brief summary
Constipation is a common problem in children with cerebral palsy and may negatively affect daily activities, quality of life, and family well-being. Several factors such as nutrition, physical activity level, functional status, and psychological condition of the caregiver may be associated with constipation in this population. The aim of this study is to investigate the presence and severity of constipation in children with cerebral palsy and to examine the factors that may be related to constipation, including dietary intake, fluid consumption, physical activity level, functional status, and caregiver psychological status. This study is an observational cross-sectional study including children with cerebral palsy aged 4-18 years and their caregivers. Data will be collected using questionnaires, clinical classification systems, bowel diaries, nutrition records, and psychological scales. No intervention will be applied to participants.
Interventions
OTHERObservational assessment
Participants completed assessment forms and diaries. No intervention was administered.
Sponsors
Lokman Hekim University
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
4 Years to 18 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Diagnosis of cerebral palsy * Age between 4 and 18 years * Voluntary participation with signed informed consent from the child or caregiver * For constipation group: meeting Rome IV criteria for constipation for at least 3 months * For non-constipation group: not meeting Rome IV criteria for constipation
Exclusion criteria
* History of gastrointestinal or anorectal surgery * Presence of anorectal malformation * Severe scoliosis (\>45 degrees) * Any medical condition that may affect bowel function unrelated to cerebral palsy * Incomplete questionnaires or missing data
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Constipation Severity | Baseline assessment | The Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS) will be used to evaluate the severity of constipation in children with cerebral palsy. The scale consists of 8 items scored from 0 to 2, with higher scores indicating more severe constipation. |
| Presence of constipation | Baseline assessment | Constipation will be determined according to Rome IV diagnostic criteria. Children meeting at least two criteria for at least three months will be classified as having constipation. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Physical activity level | Baseline assessment | Physical activity level will be evaluated using a 24-hour physical activity diary recorded for three days. Activity intensity will be calculated using metabolic equivalent (MET) values. |
| Dietary intake and fiber consumption | Baseline assessment | Dietary intake, macronutrients, fiber intake, and fluid consumption will be evaluated using a 3-day food consumption diary analyzed with nutrition software. |
| Functional level | Baseline assessment | Functional level will be assessed using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), which classifies motor function in children with cerebral palsy into five levels. |
| Body mass index | Baseline assessment | Body mass index will be calculated using height and weight measurements recorded during the assessment. |
| Caregiver psychological status | Baseline assessment | Caregiver depression, anxiety, and stress levels will be evaluated using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). |
| Bowel habits | Baseline assessment | Bowel frequency, stool type, pain during defecation, and fecal incontinence will be recorded using a 7-day bowel diary and Bristol Stool Scale. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed