The patients of cerebral palsy need assistance for their self activities which expose the caregivers to different risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders. But there is a scarcity of studies revealing the prevalence and the risk factors present among the caregivers of the cerebral palsy children. This leaded the authors to formulate a study to identify prevalence and risk factors among the caregivers of cerebral palsy children.
Result revealed that most of the caregivers among both the groups were female (63.4% and 69.3%). The common age group of the children who underwent multilevel surgery was at the age group of 6 – 10 years. It has been observed that among the study group 56.5% were totally cooperative children. The Caregiver Strain Index value showed there is no significant difference among both the groups. Regional body pain of shoulder, elbow, upper back, lower back and ankle revealed a higher prevalence among the study group.
Clinical diagnosis revealed prevalence of MPS, FMS and TOS among the study group were 27.6%, 24.5% and 23.0% respectively. Study further revealed that cooperativeness of the child was significantly associated with lower back pain, MPS, FMS and TOS among the study group.
The study helps the people at large to be focused about their own health when it comes to deal with a cerebral palsy child especially their posture while lifting and carrying the child. To make architectural changes to make the place safer and ergonomic friendly for both, cerebral palsy child and their parents and/or caregivers.