Postural control, posture, and physical performance: can they bridge the gap in community participation for children with multiple disabilities and low vision?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine how effective children with multiple disabilities and low vision (CMDLV)’s motor skills are on their participation in community life. METHODS: Twenty-three typically developing peers (mean age: 9.496 years, SD: 3.079) and twenty-three CMDLV (mean age: 9.513 years, SD: 3.067) were assessed for posture, trunk control, and physical performance. Additionally, parental responses were collected using the Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation (CASP) Questionnaire. RESULTS: Motor assessment scores and participation levels of CMDLV were lower than typically developed peers. Most of the participation subsections were correlated with motor assessments. CONCLUSIONS: These children had motor impairments and compensatory mechanisms during everyday routines. These mechanisms were not enough to improve their participation level in all fields of community living. Physiotherapists should teach them how to use motor skills in the daily living and community activities to increase their participation levels.