Physical activity and walking performance: Influence on quality of life in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP).

PURPOSE: To examine the relationship of physical activity (PA) and walking performance to QOL in ambulatory children with CP, as function is not consistently associated with QOL in this population.
METHODS: A secondary analysis of a cross-sectional cohort of 128 ambulatory children with CP, ages 2.2-9.9 years and GMFCS levels I-III, was employed. Individual multivariate regression models were developed for physical, psychosocial, and total domains of QOL as measured by the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) controlling for physical activity and walking performance, participation level and frequency, topography of CP, walking capacity, age, and satisfaction with participation.
RESULTS: Physical, psychosocial and total QOL averaged 52.2, 60.9, and 56.5 respectively. PA was positively associated with physical (0.64, p < 0.01) and total QOL (0.54, p < 0.01). Walking performance was associated with physical QOL (0.16, p = 0.05), participation level was positively related to psychosocial (0.44, p < 0.01), and age negatively for all QOL domains (> -0.43, p < 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity, walking performance, and level of participation in daily life are associated with varying domains of QOL. Future work should explore factors that influence the relationship of daily physical/walking activity and participation to QOL in children with ambulatory CP as they age.