Visual, perceptual functions, and functional vision in children with unilateral cerebral palsy compared to children with neurotypical development

Abstract

Children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP), a motor disability affecting one side of the body, often experience difficulties in visual functions. Yet, impairments in visual functions are understudied. In this study, the authors compared different visual functions between 50 children with left and right unilateral CP, aged 7 to 15 years, and 50 children of the same age and sex without CP. They also studied how children with CP use their vision in everyday activities.

The authors measured visual functions with different tests targeting how well children could see fine details, perceive 3D images, recognize a figure between different options, and combine vision and motor skills in drawing a copy of several images. In addition, for children with CP, parents completed a questionnaire about how their child uses vision in everyday activities. The authors compared the results of visual function tests between children with left unilateral CP, right unilateral CP, and neurotypical peers. In children with CP, they also investigated the relation between the visual function test results and the questionnaire scores.

In general, children with unilateral CP, particularly those with more severe motor impairments, had more difficulties in visual functions compared to their peers. Only children with left unilateral CP struggled more in perceiving 3D images compared to peers. Both groups of children with CP (left and right unilateral CP) scored lower in the test where they had to recognize a figure and draw a copy of several images. The authors also found that children with CP with more difficulties in perceiving 3D images and lower scores on the figure recognition test experienced less interest and higher anxiety in everyday activities.