Sonja Mensch

115 The relationship between motor abilities and quality of life Table 1. Demographic and diagnostic data of the study population N = 29 % Gender Male Female 13 16 45 55 Age in years 1-6 6-12 12-18 3 10 16 10 35 55 GMFCS* 1 level IV V Not scored 12 13 4 41 45 14 Diagnosis Cerebral Palsy Syndromes/gene mutations Meningitis Metabolic disease Unknown 8 12 1 1 7 28 42 3 3 24 Cognitive developmental level in months 0-6 6-12 12-18 Unknown Not scored 6 4 2 6 11 21 14 7 21 38 Comorbidity Epilepsy PEG* 2 tube Scoliosis Visual impairment Respiratory problem Secondary problem (contractures) Other* 3 Not scored 12 7 7 14 4 8 7 11 41 24 24 48 13 27 24 37 Assistive devices* 4 Wheelchair Standing device Walking aid (Semi) Orthopaedic shoes Orthotics Lying device Not scored 16 11 7 9 10 3 11 55 38 24 31 35 10 38 * 1 GMFCS: Gross Motor Function Classification System (Palisano et al. 1997) Palisano et al., 1997]. To indicate the level of motor abilities for the total group of children with SMD we used the GMFCS * 2 PEG tube: percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube * 3 Other: additionally noted comorbid conditions such as heart disease, hearing disorders, diabetes mellitus, gastro- oesophageal reflux disease * 4 Assistive devices and aids for personal mobility (World Health Organization. 2008)