Association of reduced chest mobility and diaphragm thickness with physical fitness and general fatigue in children with cerebral palsy

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between decreased chest mobility, diaphragm thickness, physical fitness, and general fatigue in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Materials and Methods: Twenty-five children with CP were included in the study. Chest mobility was evaluated using a tape. Diaphragm thickness was measured using a 6-13 Hz linear ultrasound probe. Results: Strong correlations were found between different levels of chest mobility and the physical fitness parameter (r= 0.71-0.90). Similarly, strong associations were found between different levels of chest mobility and the general fatigue (r=0.71-0.82). Diaphragm thickness was moderately associated with physical fitness (r=0.52), while it was weakly but significantly associated with general fatigue (r=0.44). Conclusion: In children with CP, physical fitness and general fatigue parameters are closely related to chest mobility and diaphragm muscle thickness/ strength. Therefore, appropriate physiotherapy approaches are needed to improve reduced chest mobility and diaphragm muscle thickness/ strength.