Associations Between the Use of Information and Communication Technologies and Motor, Manual and Communication Classification Systems by Adults with Physical Disability

Using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) such as the traditional computer and mobile devices (laptop, smartphone, and tablet) are being used by people with physical disability. However, there are unknown statistical associations with the use of such technologies with the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), and the Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) by adults with cerebral palsy. This is a quantitative study and presents an inferential statistical analysis. This study used statistical tests like Pearson’s chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test and used the odds-ratio analysis. To achieve this aim, we analyzed the responses of 52 Brazilian adults with this condition. We concluded that there exists a significant statistical association with the use of laptop, smartphone, standard keyboard, standard mouse, the use of hands, and the social support of a person to use ICT. There is an association between the GMFCS and the use of the laptop. Using smartphones is associated with the MACS and CFCS systems. There is an association between the MACS system and the use of standard keyboard and standard mouse. In addition, there is an association between the use of hands-on ICT and the MACS and CFCS systems. Finally, there is an association of social support in ICT and the GMFCS system. This study contributes to the lack of worldwide scientific literature on adults with cerebral palsy and their relationship with ICT. This evidence shows that the use of these technologies by people with cerebral palsy suggests their participation beyond social exclusion.