Upper Extremity Selective Voluntary Motor Control in Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy and Its Association with Upper Extremity Functions

Abstract

Purpose: The study aimed to define the upper extremity selective voluntary motor control (SVMC) in children with unilateral Cerebral Palsy (CP). It was also aimed to investigate the relationship between upper extremity SVMC and upper extremity functions. Methods: Twenty-four children diagnosed with unilateral CP, aged between 6 and 18, were included in the study. The Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST) assessed the upper extremity functions. Manual dexterity was measured using the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTT) timed tasks. The SVMC of the upper extremity was measured using the Selective Control of Upper Extremity Scale (SCUES) using the videotape recording method. Results: Statistically significant decreases in SCUES scores from shoulder to fingers were recorded using the Page statistical test for trend (p<0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between the SCUES total score and the QUEST total score (r: 0.796; p <0.001). Also, score on SCUES showed a significant negative correlation with JTT (r:- 0.875; p <0.001). Conclusion: In children with unilateral CP, there was a relationship between upper extremity selective voluntary control and upper extremity functions. Deficiency in selective upper extremity movements disturbed functional manual skills, indicating these impairments' significance in assessing upper extremity functions and, potentially, rehabilitation.