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Does stable sitting influence upper limb function in children with cerebral palsy?
Kübra Seyhan1, Mintaze Kerem-Günel1
1Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences,Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
Insights
A hip-positioning belt significantly improved upper limb function in preschool children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (BSCP). This intervention enhanced dissociated movements, grasping, weight-bearing, and protective extension, aiding daily activities.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (BSCP) often require assistive devices for postural control.
- Effective sitting support is crucial for optimizing function in children with cerebral palsy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a pelvic positioning belt in an adjustable chair on upper limb function in preschool children with BSCP.
- To determine if targeted pelvic support can enhance motor skills in the upper extremities.
Main Methods:
- Forty-one preschool children with BSCP (GMFCS levels III and IV) were fitted with a hip-positioning belt.
- Upper limb function was assessed using the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST) before and after belt use.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in dissociated movements, grasping, weight bearing, and protective extension.
- The total QUEST scores increased significantly from 56.7 (±46.3) to 66.1 (±39.2) (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- A portable and adaptable hip-positioning belt can effectively improve upper limb activity in young children with moderate to severe BSCP.
- This intervention offers a practical approach to enhance daily functional abilities in children with cerebral palsy.
Abstract:
Seyhan K, Kerem-Günel M. Does stable sitting influence upper limb function in children with cerebral palsy? Turk J Pediatr 2019; 61: 79-84. Bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (BSCP) patients frequently need to use various sitting devices for body control and function. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of a belt to position the pelvis in an adjustable chair would affect upper limb function in preschool children with BSCP. Fortyone children with BSCP [mean age 44 ±11, range 18-60 months] classified according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), as level III (n=21) and level IV (n=20) were fitted with a hip-positioning belt. Upper limb functions were assessed by Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST). The median scores of the following upper extremity functions increased significantly by wearing the hip positioning belt: dissociated movements, grasping, weight bearing and protective extension. The total QUEST score increased from 56.7 (±46.3) to 66.1 (±39.2) (p < 0.001). The portable and adaptable hip-positioning belt may be used in daily life to improve upper limb activity in preschool children with moderate to severe BSCP.
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