Hand function in the play behavior of children with cerebral palsy
Luzia Iara Pfeifer1, Thaís Reis Santos, Daniela Baleroni Rodrigues Silva
1Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Occupational Therapy , Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo.
Insights
Reducing spasticity in children with cerebral palsy (CP) through botulinum toxin injections significantly improved their play skills and engagement. This enhances occupational performance in play activities.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Occupational Therapy
- Neurology
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) often impairs hand function, affecting children's ability to engage in play.
- Spasticity in upper limbs is a common challenge for children with CP, limiting their motor control and participation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how improved hand function, following botulinum toxin treatment, influences the occupational performance of playing in children with CP.
- To assess the impact of reduced spasticity on children's play behaviors and engagement.
Main Methods:
- The study included twenty children with cerebral palsy (CP), aged 3-10 years, with varying motor and manual abilities.
- The Assessment of Ludic Behaviour was administered before and after botulinum toxin injections to the upper limbs to reduce spasticity.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in overall play behavior scores (p < 0.001) after botulinum toxin application.
- Specific enhancements were noted in basic ludic interest (p = 0.003), ludic ability (p < 0.001), ludic attitude (p = 0.008), and communication of needs/feelings (p = 0.025).
Conclusions:
- Reducing spasticity through botulinum toxin treatment positively impacts children's ability to handle play materials.
- This intervention promotes greater involvement and occupational performance in play situations for children with cerebral palsy.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of hand function on the occupational performance of playing for children with cerebral palsy.
Methods:
Twenty children with cerebral palsy took part in the study, of both genders, aged 3-10 years, with motor abilities ranging from I to V and manual abilities from II to IV. Data were collected using the Assessment of Ludic Behaviour before and after botulinum toxin was applied in the upper limbs to reduce spasticity.
Results:
Significant differences were found between the scores before and after the application of botulinum toxin in relation to the total Assessment of Ludic Behaviour score (p < 0.001), as well as in basic ludic interest (p = 0.003), basic ludic ability (p < 0.001), ludic attitude (p = 0.008), and communication of needs and feelings (p = 0.025), except for general level of interest (p = 0.957).
Conclusions:
The reduction of spasticity permits better handling of the play materials, which promotes the children's involvement in play situations.
