ABSTRACT Background Dystonia is characterized by continuous involuntary contractions of agonist and antagonist muscles, adversely affecting functionality. It is among the most prevalent forms of movement disorders observed during childhood. We aimed to measure dystonia severity, motor functions, sleep quality, constipation, and functional independence in children with dystonia, and to examine the relationships between these parameters and quality of life in this exploratory study. Methods Children's dystonia severity, motor function, sleep disorders, constipation, independence in daily activities, and quality of life were assessed using the Burke–Fahn–Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale, Gross Motor Function Measure‐88, Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children, Constipation Assessment Scale, WeeFIM, and Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities (CPCHILD) parent form, respectively. The relationship between dystonia severity, motor functions, sleep disorders, constipation problems, independence in daily living activities and quality of life was examined. Results A total of 21 children aged 4–18 years with dystonia were included in the study. The results indicated that dystonia severity, motor functions, constipation status, and levels of functional independence were associated with quality of life ( p 0.05). Conclusions In children with dystonia, several parameters, such as dystonia severity, motor functions, constipation, and the level of independence in daily living activities, may be associated with quality of life. These findings may help inform future research and may be relevant when considering intervention priorities.
AKKAYA et al. (Fri,) studied this question.