Does accelerometry reflect hand function in infants at risk of unilateral cerebral palsy? A secondary analysis of
Rachel Bard-Pondarré1, Nahime Al-Abiad2, Stéphane Verdun3
1Centre des Massues Croix-Rouge française, 92, rue Edmond Locard, 69322 Lyon, France.
Insights
Accelerometry bracelets are feasible but unreliable for monitoring hand function in infants at high risk of unilateral Cerebral Palsy (UCP). Further research is needed to find accurate methods for early detection and management of UCP-related movement asymmetries.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurology
- Rehabilitation engineering
- Movement science
Background:
- Infants at high risk of unilateral Cerebral Palsy (UCP) often exhibit upper extremity asymmetry.
- Early identification of movement and function asymmetry is crucial for timely management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of using wrist-worn accelerometry monitors (AX3 Axivity) for quantifying infant movements.
- To determine if accelerometry parameters correlate with hand function in high-risk infants.
Main Methods:
- A Single-Case Experimental Design study involving 6 infants at high risk of UCP (3-12 months old).
- An 8-week bimanual stimulation home program was implemented.
- Accelerometry data collected during Hand Assessment for Infants (HAI) and spontaneous activity sessions.
- Weekly HAI assessments conducted throughout baseline and intervention periods.
Main Results:
- Accelerometry data exhibited high variability, particularly during spontaneous activity.
- No significant correlation was found between Hand Assessment for Infants (HAI) scores and accelerometry parameters.
- The study demonstrated the feasibility of using accelerometry bracelets in this population.
Conclusions:
- Accelerometry bracelets, while feasible, appear unreliable for detecting and monitoring hand function in infants under one year.
- Current accelerometry methods may not be suitable for assessing subtle hand function changes in infants at high risk of UCP.
Background:
Infants at high-risk of unilateral Cerebral Palsy (UCP) may have asymmetry in upper extremity movement and function, which should be identified as soon as possible for management.
Aims:
To explore the feasibility of using two AX3 Axivity monitors in wrist-worn bracelets to quantify movements, and to identify whether accelerometry parameters are consistent with hand function.
Methods And Procedures:
6 infants at high risk of UCP (aged 3 to -12 months) were included in a Single-Case Experimental Design to explore the impact of an 8-week bimanual stimulation home program.
Outcomes:
Each week of the baseline (randomized duration 4-7 weeks) and 8-week program, the Hand Assessment for Infants (HAI) was performed and accelerometry parameters were collected during HAI and also during spontaneous activity, several times a week.
Results:
Actimetry was analyzed during HAI and 238 spontaneous activity sessions (mean 42 ± 21 min). Actimetry ratios distribution and evolution show a high variability, especially for spontaneous activity. No strong correlation was found between HAI scores and accelerometry parameters, either collected during HAI, or during spontaneous activity times.
Conclusion And Implications:
Despite its feasibility, using accelerometry bracelets looks unreliable for detecting and monitoring hand function in infants under one year.
