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Trophic limb changes among children with developmental apraxia
1Research Fellow and Neuropaediatrician, Institute of Child Health, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu.
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|December 1, 1988
Summary
Children with developmental apraxia show higher rates of pathological limb asymmetry, particularly in the feet. This finding suggests limb asymmetry may indicate underlying neurological issues in these children.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Developmental apraxia is a motor disorder affecting childhood development.
- Limb asymmetry can be associated with neurological conditions.
- Early identification of potential neurological indicators is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of pathological limb asymmetry in children with developmental apraxia.
- To compare limb asymmetry in children with developmental apraxia to typically developing controls.
- To determine if foot asymmetry is a significant indicator in this population.
Main Methods:
- Measurements of hands and feet were taken from 16 children diagnosed with developmental apraxia.
- A control group of 16 children, matched for age and sex, was included for comparison.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare asymmetry incidence between groups.
Main Results:
- Pathological limb asymmetry was observed in 7/16 children with developmental apraxia, versus 2/16 controls.
- Asymmetry of the feet was exclusively found in the developmental apraxia group.
- Foot asymmetry occurred more frequently than hand asymmetry in the affected children.
Conclusions:
- Pathological limb asymmetry, especially of the feet, is more prevalent in children with developmental apraxia.
- Limb asymmetry may serve as a clinical sign pointing towards underlying neurological disorders.
- Routine assessment for limb asymmetry is recommended for children with apraxia to guide further neurological evaluation.