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Upper-limb function in Brachial Plexus birth palsy: Does the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument correlate
M Tanrıverdi1, Z Hoşbay2, A Aydın3
1Bezmialem Vakıf University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Silahtarağa Street, No:189, 34060 İstanbul, Turkey.
Insights
Functional outcome assessment for children with brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) is crucial. The Brachial Plexus Outcome Measure (BPOM) and Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) show strong correlation, with PODCI offering a viable alternative for upper-limb function assessment post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Clinical Assessment Tools
Background:
- Functional outcome assessment is vital for children with brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP).
- Evaluating upper-limb function requires reliable and valid measurement tools.
- Existing tools may need validation or comparison for specific pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the Brachial Plexus Outcome Measure (BPOM) and the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) in children with BPBP.
- To explore upper-limb function and compare the discriminative properties of BPOM and PODCI.
- To determine if PODCI can serve as an alternative measurement for upper-limb function in BPBP patients post-shoulder tendon transfer.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 30 children (aged 6-14) with BPBP undergoing shoulder tendon transfer and 20 age-matched healthy controls.
- Administration of the Turkish versions of the PODCI (for daily living activities) and BPOM (specifically for BPBP).
- Recording of test results, demographic, and clinical characteristics for analysis.
Main Results:
- Children with BPBP showed significantly lower PODCI Upper Extremity Function and Global Functioning scores compared to controls (p < 0.01).
- A significant and very strong positive correlation was found between the BPOM Activity scale and PODCI Global Functioning scores (r=0.845, p=0.037).
- No significant correlation was observed between the BPOM Self-Evaluation scale and PODCI Global Functioning scores (r=0.456, p=-0.141).
Conclusions:
- The PODCI is a valid and reliable tool for assessing upper-limb function in children with BPBP.
- The PODCI correlates well with the BPOM Activity scale, suggesting it as an appropriate alternative measurement.
- These findings support the use of PODCI for functional outcome assessment in pediatric BPBP patients post-intervention.
Abstract:
Functional outcome assessment for children with brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) is essential. We aimed to investigate the association between the Brachial Plexus Outcome Measure (BPOM) and the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) in children with BPBP and healthy matched controls, and to explore upper-limb function and the discriminative properties of the two tests. Thirty children, aged 6-14 years, diagnosed with BPBP and undergoing shoulder tendon transfer and 20 age-matched healthy controls were included. In both groups, the Turkish version of the PODCI, used to evaluate daily living activities, was implemented. The Turkish version of the BPOM, specifically developed for BPBP, was applied in children with BPBP. Test results, demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. The mean age of children with BPBP was 8.53 ± 2.53 years and their BPOM Activity scale score was 42.93 ± 8.28. The PODCI Upper Extremity Function score (74.97 ± 23.49 vs. 100) and the PODCI Global Functioning score (89.20 ± 7.73 vs. 99.36 ± 7.73) were significantly lower in the BPBP group (p < 0.01). While there was a significant and very strong relationship between the BPOM Activity and PODCI Global Functioning scores (r = 0.845; p = 0.037), no correlation was found between the BPOM Self-Evaluation scale and PODCI Global Functioning score (r = 0.456; p = -0.141). The PODCI correlated with the BPOM Activity scale, providing an appropriate alternative measurement for upper-limb function in children with BPBP after shoulder tendon transfer.
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