Adherence to Home Exercise Program among Caregivers of Children with Cerebral Palsy

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the factors that affect the adherence to home exercise programs among caregivers of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: The caregivers of 147 children with CP were recruited for the study. The adherence status of the caregivers to an exercise program was assessed by a survey. The sociodemographic data of both children and caregivers; family characteristics, CP type, and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level of the disabled child; and inventories related to mental health and burnout of the caregivers were evaluated to determine whether these data were related with the adherence status or not. Results: Using statistically significant parameters in univariate tests [age, weight, and GMFCS level of the children and age and Maslach emotional exhaustion (EE) score of the caregiver], a logistic regression model was constructed to predict the adherence to exercise programs. GMFCS level and Maslach EE score were statistically significant independent factors that predicted the adherence to home exercise programs. Conclusion: The severity of the functional limitation of children with CP seems to enhance the adherence of caregivers to home exercise programs, while the burnout of caregivers has a negative impact. Caregivers should be supported socially and medically for a successful home exercise program.