[Purpose] This study investigated the frequency effect of physical and occupational therapy on activities of daily living performance in children with cerebral palsy. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 162 children with cerebral palsy who attended a convalescent or rehabilitation center for disabled individuals or a special school for physical disabilities in South Korea participated in this study. The Pediatric Evaluation Disability Inventory was used to collect data on activities of daily living performance according to physical therapy frequency based on neurodevelopmental therapy for 1 year. [Results] The relationships between physical therapy frequency and activities of daily living performance (mobility, social function, and total functional skill) and between occupational therapy frequency and activities of daily living performance (social function and total functional skill) were significant. There was no significant difference in activities of daily living performance according to physical therapy frequency. The difference in the activities of daily living performance according to occupational therapy frequency was significant for social function. [Conclusion] Intensive occupational therapy was more effective in improving activities of daily living performance in children with cerebral palsy. In particular, their social function further improved with intensive physical therapy.
Keywords: Activities of daily living; Children with cerebral palsy; Frequency of therapy.