Arm Muscle Strength in Children with Bilateral Spastic CP. (3rd September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Eek, Meta N.; Lidman, Git
• Is Part Of: Physical & occupational therapy in pediatrics. Volume 41:Number 5(2021)
• Page Start: 529
• Page End: 539
• Publication Date: 2021-09-03
• Subjects: Muscle strength -- cerebral palsy -- children -- arm -- hand; Physical therapy for children -- Periodicals; Occupational therapy for children -- Periodicals; Child development deviations -- Periodicals; 615.82083
• DOI: 10.1080/01942638.2021.1872757
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0194-2638

Abstract

Abstract: Aims: To assess arm-muscle strength related to motor function in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy, 5–15 years old. Methods: Muscle strength was measured for shoulder abductors, elbow extensors and flexors, wrist extensors, and grip strength. The children were grouped according to the Manual Ability Classification Scale (MACS). Results: Forty-two children were included. The majority of the children at MACS levels I–II were within the normal range; shoulder abductors were weakest (mean 60–80% of predicted value), and variation was greatest for wrist extensors. Children at MACS level II showed lower values than children at level I, with significant differences for shoulder abductors ( p =.028) and wrist extensors ( p <.001). Differences between the dominant and non-dominant side was greater in children at MACS level II and statistically significant for wrist extensors ( p =.024). Of 15 children tested for grip strength, nine were within the 2 SD range. The three children at MACS level II, all walking with a walker, had a higher mean value than those at MACS level I. Conclusions: Muscle strength was lower and differences were greater between sides in children at MACS level II. Wrist extensors showed a decreasing trend with age as compared with normal development.