[Analysis of using assistive devices by patients suffering from cerebral palsy - preliminary report].

UNLABELLED: Cerebral palsy (CP) is still significant health and social issue in the world. Adults who suffer from that illness have problem with mobility which make their functioning much harder. Common symptoms include spasticity, chronic pain of musculoskeletal system, disturbance of sensation, epilepsy or mental retardation.

AIM: The aim of the study was analysis of assistive devices used by patients with CP through childhood and adulthood. The results were compared with the situation in this field of CP patients in other countries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 30 patients with CP in age between 20-43 living in Poznan and under the care of Occupational Therapy Workshop and Enviromental Self-help Houses. The research method was questionnaire which was directed to caregivers of adults with CP. They were asked about diagnosis, accompanying symptoms as well as assistive devices used during childhood and adulthood.

RESULTS: During childhood wheelchair and standing frame were used the most often while during adulthood the most common were also the first mentioned above as well as rehabilitation lift. Although unfavourable evaluation of fitting assistive devices, majority of caregivers of CP sufferer claimed that there was varying improvement in patients motor functionality.

CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive rehabilitation and assistive devices are necessary for patients with CP during adulthood not less than during childhood. Wheelchairs are even more essential for adults than for children.