ICF-Based Evaluation of the Upper Extremity in Children With Quadriparetic Cerebral Palsy

ICF-Based Evaluation of the Upper Extremity in Children With Quadriparetic Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by abnormalities in muscle tone, movement, and motor skills resulting from permanent, non-progressive damage to the developing brain before, during, or after birth. The worldwide prevalence of CP is 2-3 per 1000 live births. Spastic CP accounts for approximately 85% of all CP cases. Among the types of spastic CP, quadriparetic CP (QCP) is the most severe and accounts for 20% of spastic CP cases. Individuals diagnosed with quadriparetic cerebral palsy (QCP) are restricted from participating in daily life activities due to inadequate upper extremity function (spasticity, muscle weakness, inability to perform isolated movements, and limitation of supination movements). In order to correctly evaluate children diagnosed with QCP and determine treatment priorities, it is very important to evaluate them based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). In the literature, there is no study that evaluates the upper extremity of individuals with isolated QCP based on ICF. The aim of this study is to examine the upper extremity functions of individuals with isolated QCP diagnosis within the framework of ICF.

It is an observational study. Purpose of the study: To examine the upper extremity functions of individuals with an isolated diagnosis of quadriparetic Cerebral Palsy (QCP) within the framework of ICF.

Participants: Children with quadriparetic CP between the ages of 0-17.

Questions:

• What is the relationship between upper extremity spasticity and manual dexterity in children with QCP?
• What is the relationship between manual skills and activities of daily living in children with QCP?

The upper extremities of the patients with QCP will be evaluated within the framework of ICF. Body structure and functions will be evaluated with the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), activities with the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), and participation with the Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM). The evaluations will be made by physiotherapists experienced in children with CP.

Inclusion Criteria:

• The age of the cases is between 0-17,
• They have been diagnosed with quadriparetic CP,
• The participants and parents want to participate in the study voluntarily.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having different types of CP such as dyskinetic, ataxic and mixed type,
• Having spastic diparetic or hemiparetic type CP,
• Having any history of surgery on the musculoskeletal system,
• Having received Botulinum Toxin injection within the last 6 months.