Upper Extremity Function In Cerebral Palsy And Its Association With Balance And Trunk Control

Upper Extremity Function In Cerebral Palsy And Its Association With Balance And Trunk Control

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have postural control problems due to the lack of motor and sensory development. Trunk control which has an important role in ensuring postural control, is the basis for sitting, mobility, development of the upper extremity, pulmonary function and activities of daily living. Poor postural control restricts upper extremity functions which also affects the quality of movements. For this reason, it is important to assess the relationship between trunk control and upper extremity functions. This study is planned to investigate the effect of balance and trunk control on upper extremity functions in children with CP.

30 hemiparetic and 32 diparetic CP, in total 62 children, aged between 5-12 years, were included in this study. Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS) was used to assess trunk control, Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) was used to assess balance, and Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test was used to assess upper extremity functions (QUEST).

Inclusion Criteria:

• spastic hemiparetic and / or diparetic CP
• co-operative enough to understand test directives
• between 5 and 12 years of age
• Having spasticity of 0-2 according to the modified wax and / or modified Ashworth Scale (MAS)
• GMFCS I, II and III

Exclusion Criteria:

Have had previous orthopedic surgery to the upper extremity