Research Information System
Disability and Rehabilitation, vol.25, no.20, pp.1187-1192, 2003 (SCI-Expanded)
Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the architectural barriers of children with Muscular Dystrophy at home according to their diminished functional capacity and its effect on their mother's back problem. Method: Twenty children with Muscular Dystrophy (11.1 ± 4.14 years) were evaluated with Brooke Scale and WeeFIM. Quebec and Oswestry Disability Scales were used for determining physical disability of their mothers (38.65 ± 5.91 years). The architectural barriers have been detected with attention to standard criterias of International Organizations for all countries around the world. Results: The heights of thresholds, switches of wall plugs, shelves, cupboards, mirrors, hangers, arm of windows and siphons were found to be higher than standard values. The relation between back disability questionnaire results of mothers and dependency level of children on Activity of Daily Living has showed negative correlation (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The protective back health programmes and home arrangements that are suitable for disabled children must be added to the neuromuscular rehabilitation programmes.