Functional independence and daily activities measurement in children with cerebral palsy (CP) refers to the evaluation of a child’s ability to perform everyday tasks and participate in life activities without excessive assistance. These measurements assess mobility, self-care, communication, social participation, and other functional skills essential for independence.
Why is assessing Functional Independence & Daily Activities important?
- Individualized Care Planning – Understanding a child’s functional level allows healthcare professionals to design personalized interventions and therapy programs to enhance mobility, self-care, and participation in daily activities.
- Tracking Progress – Regular assessments help monitor improvements or changes over time, ensuring that interventions are effective and adapted as needed.
- Identifying Needs & Support – Evaluating daily activities highlights areas where children may require assistive devices, environmental modifications, or additional therapy to improve independence.
- Enhancing Quality of Life – By addressing functional challenges, these assessments contribute to better participation in social, educational, and recreational activities, promoting overall well-being.
- Guiding Family & Caregivers – Providing caregivers with a clear understanding of a child’s functional abilities helps them offer appropriate support and encourage independence in everyday life.
Overall, these assessments are essential for optimizing the child’s development, independence, and participation in meaningful life activities.
Measuring tools to assess Functional Independence & Daily Activities
Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI & PEDI-CAT) – Assesses daily functional skills.
WeeFIM (Functional Independence Measure for Children) – Measures independence in daily activities.
Caregiver Assistance Scale – Evaluates caregiver burden.
Comparison of PEDI/PEDI-CAT, WeeFIM, and the Caregiver Assistance Scale:
| Feature | PEDI / PEDI-CAT | WeeFIM | Caregiver Assistance Scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) & Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory – Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT) | Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) | Caregiver Assistance Scale |
| Purpose | Assesses daily functional skills and abilities in children with disabilities | Measures the level of independence in daily activities and tracks functional progress | Evaluates the level of caregiver burden and assistance needed |
| Target Population | Children with disabilities (6 months – 21 years) | Children aged 6 months to 7 years (can be used for older children with developmental delays) | Children with disabilities requiring caregiver support |
| Domains Assessed | – Daily Activities |