The impact of fatigue on occupational balance and quality of life in individuals with cerebral palsy: a cross-sectional study
Freja Buchwald-Grøhn, Jeanette Reffstrup Christensen, Line Nørgaard RemmenAims/Background
Cerebral palsy is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders often accompanied by additional complications, including fatigue. Fatigue plays a significant role in impacting the quality of life and occupational balance in individuals with cerebral palsy, making it a crucial focus in occupational therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between fatigue, occupational balance and quality of life in individuals with cerebral palsy, considering the interplay of personal and environmental factors.
Methods
This quantitative cross-sectional study involved 40 Danish participants with cerebral palsy. Participants completed a survey including the Fatigue Severity Scale, the Occupational Balance Questionnaire, and the SF-12 Health Survey. Data were analysed using descriptive and analytical statistics, including linear regressions, to assess and identify significant associations between fatigue, occupational balance and quality of life.
Results
The findings indicated a significant negative association between fatigue levels and both occupational balance and quality of life. Specifically, for each one unit increase in fatigue on the Fatigue Severity Scale, occupational balance decreased by 0.10 units ( P =0.006) and quality of life decreased by 0.33 units ( P =0.026). These results suggest that higher fatigue levels are associated with lower occupational balance and reduced quality of life.
Conclusions
The study revealed a significant association between increased fatigue and reduced quality of life, emphasising the importance of addressing fatigue within occupational therapy. However, no direct connection was found between occupational balance and quality of life in this sample. It is recommended that future treatment strategies prioritise a focus on managing and decreasing fatigue to enhance both occupational balance and overall quality of life for individuals with cerebral palsy.
Implications for practice
The findings suggest that allied health professionals working with individuals with cerebral palsy should consider occupational balance and fatigue as important factors influencing quality of life. Routine assessment of these domains, alongside physical functioning, may help identify individuals at risk of reduced well-being and inform more holistic and person-centred interventions. Strategies such as fatigue management, energy conservation, and supporting participation in meaningful occupations may improve occupational balance and, in turn, enhance quality of life for adults with cerebral palsy.