Effect of upper extremity constraints on functional and dynamic postural control in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. (19th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Roostaei, Meysam; Raji, Parvin; Kalantari, Khosro Khademi; Faghihzadeh, Elham; Fragala-Pinkham, Maria
• Is Part Of: Developmental neurorehabilitation. Volume 25:Number 4(2022)
• Page Start: 281
• Page End: 288
• Publication Date: 2022-05-19
• Subjects: Cerebral palsy -- hemiplegia -- postural control -- balance reactions -- gait -- upper extremity; Children with disabilities -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Developmentally disabled children -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 615.542
• DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2021.2020351
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-8423

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Purpose: To compare the effects of upper extremity constraints on functional and dynamic postural control in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Materials and Methods: Twelve children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy and 12 typically developing children ages 5 to 12 years (GMFCS I–II) were evaluated with the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Biodex Balance System during three upper extremity (UE) conditions: 1) Free UEs (no constraints), 2) Simple UE constraint (unaffected/dominant UE constrained with a sling), and 3) Difficult UE constraint (Simple constraint plus the other UE holding cup of water). Results: The UE condition had significant effects on Overall Stability Index (OSI) (F(2, 44) = 24.899, p < .001), Medial-Lateral Stability Index (MLSI) (F(2, 44) = 4.380, p = .018), Anterior-Posterior Stability Index (F(2, 44) = 6.187, p = .004), and TUG scores (F(2, 44) = 113.372, p < .001). Group was significant for OSI (F(1, 22) = 7.906, p = .010), MLSI (F(1, 22) = 13.113, p = .002), and TUG (F(1, 22) = 36.282, p < .001). Conclusions: The upper extremity appears to have a role in maintaining functional balance and postural stability in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy and should be considered during intervention programs.