Effect of touch screen tablet use on fine motor functions in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy: A randomized
Hanaa M Abd-Elfattah1, Dina O Shokri M Galal2, Shaima M Abdelmageed3
1Department of Physical Therapy for Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Badr University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt.
Insights
Touch screen tablets significantly improve fine motor skills in children with cerebral palsy (CP). This intervention enhanced upper limb function, finger dexterity, and pinch strength more than traditional exercises.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is a leading neurological condition causing significant disability in children.
- Hemiparesis, a common CP symptom, affects fine motor function and daily activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of touch screen tablet interventions on fine motor functions in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy (U-CP).
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 60 children (5-7 years old) over 12 weeks.
- The intervention group used a touch screen tablet for fine motor exercises (30 min/day), alongside standard tasks.
- The control group received only standard fine motor tasks.
Main Results:
- Both groups showed improvements, but the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater gains in finger dexterity, pinch strength, and upper limb function.
- Outcome measures included the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST), Nine-Hole Peg Test, and pinch strength measurements.
Conclusions:
- Integrating touch screen tablet applications with tailored fine motor programs effectively enhances motor skills in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy (U-CP).
- This approach offers a promising avenue for improving functional outcomes in pediatric rehabilitation.
Background:
Cerebral palsy is the most frequent condition affecting the central nervous system and causing large disability.
Objective:
To determine the impact of touch screen tablet upon fine motor functions in children with hemiparesis.
Method:
This was a randomized controlled trial involving 60 children, ranging in age from 5 to 7 years old, randomized into two groups: intervention or control group (30 children per group). Both groups were given 12 consecutive weeks of designed fine motor tasks. Additionally, for thirty minutes, the intervention group was given a fine motor exercise program on a touch screen tablet. Upper limb function, finger dexterity and pinch strength were measured pre and post the recommended treatment program using the quality of upper extremity skill test (QUEST), Nine-Hole Peg Test and Jamar hydraulic pinch gauge, respectively.
Results:
All outcome measures were equivalent between intervention groups at admission (P > 0.05). Significant improvements were found in all assessed variables within the two groups. Meanwhile, the intervention group had significantly higher improvements (P < 0.05) in finger dexterity, pinch strength, and upper limb function when compared with the control groups.
Conclusion:
Including a touch screen smart tablet application with a specially designed fine motor program is an effective method that helps children with U-CP perform more effectively with their fine motor skills.
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