Impact of somatosensory interventions on upper limb function in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy: a single-subject design study

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Moloud Khoshbakht ◽  
Parvin Raji ◽  
Noureddin Nakhostin Ansari ◽  
Mahmoud Mahmodian
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Visual Analysis ◽  
Treatment Phase ◽  
Single Subject ◽  
Upper Limb Function ◽  
Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Spastic Hemiplegia

Background/aims Hemiplegia is one of the most common types of cerebral palsy. Upper limb dysfunction in these children can affect their quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of somatosensory interventions on upper extremity sensory and motor functions in spastic hemiplegic children. Methods This single-subject study was performed in the occupational therapy clinic of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Three participants (two boys and one girl) aged 8–12 years with spastic hemiplegia were assessed during baseline, treatment and follow-up phases. During the treatment phase, the children received 12 tactile and proprioceptive stimulation (active, passive and playful) sessions over 4 weeks. Four sensory measures (tactile localisation, stereognosis, two-point discrimination, proprioception) and one motor measure (Box and Block Test) were assessed during each phase. Results Improvement in function was seen in all three children based on visual analysis, with significant differences between the baseline and treatment scores in the majority of measures for all participants. Changes were sustained at follow up for most tests. The effect size was large for all three children. Conclusions Despite the small number of participants, sensory intervention with a focus on sensory deficits could help to improve upper extremity sensory and motor function in children with spastic hemiplegia.

scholarly journals Time Course of Upper Limb Function in Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy: A Five-Year Follow-Up Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrijn Klingels ◽  
Sarah Meyer ◽  
Lisa Mailleux ◽  
Cristina Simon-Martinez ◽  
Jasmine Hoskens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Limb Function ◽  
Upper Limb Function ◽  
Activity Measurements ◽  
Taylor Test ◽  
Unilateral Cerebral Palsy

Knowledge on long-term evolution of upper limb function in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP) is scarce. The objective was to report the five-year evolution in upper limb function and identify factors influencing time trends. Eighty-one children (mean age 9 y and 11 mo, SD 3 y and 3 mo) were assessed at baseline with follow-up after 6 months, 1, and 5 years. Passive range of motion (PROM), tone, muscle, and grip strength were assessed. Activity measurements included Melbourne Assessment, Jebsen-Taylor test, Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA), and ABILHAND-Kids. At 5-year follow-up, PROM (p<0.001) and AHA scores (p<0.001) decreased, whereas an improvement was seen for grip strength (p<0.001), Melbourne Assessment (p=0.003), Jebsen-Taylor test (p<0.001), and ABILHAND-Kids (p<0.001). Age influenced the evolution of AHA scores (p=0.003), with younger children being stable over time, but from 9 years onward, children experienced a decrease in bimanual performance. Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) levels also affected the evolution of AHA scores (p=0.02), with stable scores in MACS I and deterioration in MACS II and III. In conclusion, over 5 years, children with unilateral CP develop more limitations in PROM, and although capacity measures improve, the spontaneous use of the impaired limb in bimanual tasks becomes less effective after the age of 9 years.

scholarly journals Upper limb therapy in children with cerebral palsy (CP) – The Pirate Group

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 57-67
Author(s):  
Marta Pawlak ◽  
Beata Wnuk ◽  
Daniela Kowalicka ◽  
Aleksandra Rosłoniec
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Movement Therapy ◽  
Limb Function ◽  
Upper Limb Function ◽  
Constraint Induced Movement Therapy ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Children With Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Bimanual Training ◽  
Spastic Hemiplegia

Abstract Introduction: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) in the form of spastic hemiplegia experience numerous difficulties concerning an affected upper limb such as reaching for objects, gripping or manipulating them. These limitations affect their everyday activity. Conducting an effective and simultaneously an interesting therapy aimed at meeting the child’s individual needs and improving upper limb function is a challenge for a physiotherapist. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of upper limb therapy carried out within the project titled “The Pirate Group” based on Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) and Bimanual Training (BIT) conducted in a specially arranged environment. Material and methods: The research included 16 children with CP in the form of spastic hemiplegia. Mean age of the study participants was 4.23 years. The children underwent a two-week Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) combined with Bimanual Training (BIT). In order to evaluate the effects of the therapy, each child underwent the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA) prior to the therapy and after its completion. Results: Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference (p<0.05) between the results of AHA prior to and after the therapy (t(14)=9.12, p<0.0001). An improvement in the affected upper limb function was noted in all the children participating in the research. Conclusions: The project titled “The Pirate Group”, based on CIMT and BIT is an effective therapeutic intervention which improves spontaneous activity of the affected upper limb in children with hemiplegia.

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