Parents' Perspectives of Changes in Movement Affecting Daily Life Following Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Previous reports indicate that for children with cerebral palsy, increased motion of the joints and decreased spasticity can be achieved through selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR). The impact of these changes on daily life, however, remain to be determined. The purpose of this study was to identify parents' opinions of the effects that SDR has on daily life of their children with cerebral palsy. We used a qualitative research approach, with semi-structured interviews of parents of children who underwent SDR about one year previously. The most apparent finding from these interviews was that parents perceived the increased motion itself to be valuable. The families reported that the children could move faster and with less effort after SDR, and several parents stated that the children appeared to be more “normal-looking.” Parents also reported that the children could perform previously learned activities better; however, they had not learned many new activities. Reported negative effects included sudden fatigue, weakness, or hip problems in most children.