The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a physiotherapy guidelines program on quality of life (QoL) and on skills of mothers of adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) regarding child care. This study involved three adolescents with CP, levels IV and V of the GMFCS, their mothers and three physiotherapists. Several instruments were used to evaluate the mothers' QoL, their difficulties related to the adolescents with CP's care and home accessibility. The data guided the intervention that involved supervision and specific skills training regarding taking care of their children and themselves; providing adjustments and illustrated handouts. The mothers fully adhered to the proposal. In the end, although only one mother presented improvement in the questionnaire scores for QoL, all mothers gave positive evaluations for the intervention. They pointed out that more time should be allotted for self-stretching and relaxation exercises for mothers during the sessions. They indicated improvement on skills related to child care, with persistent difficulties in some therapeutic maneuvers, transfer activities and bathing. The problems they reported in performing such activities may have been due to the complex and strenuous nature of the tasks, especially in the absence of resources for assistive technology or someone to assist them. The doubts and difficulties they expressed reinforce the importance of supervision and skill training for mothers of adolescents who have serious impairments based on the analysis of their daily routine needs in order to contribute to their training in caring for themselves and their children.
Special Education; Physiotherapy; Cerebral palsy; Parental Guidance; Quality of Life
