title: Upper extremity strength and function in children with spinal muscular atrophy type II.
abstract: Upper extremity strength and function in a sample of ten children with spinal atrophy type II was determined using manual muscle testing, a sphygmomanometer, and a pinchometer. Functional abilities were recorded on self-report forms. Overall strength in this sample was determined to be 35% to 40% of normal. Repeated-measures analysis of covariance revealed no change with time in proximal or distal strength. Six children were capable of at least 1/2 pound of force in pinch or gross grasp vs four children with zero force in one of these measures. Ability to produce a measurable force in pinch or gross grasp was found to be associated with independence in mobility, hand function, and ADL by Fisher exact test (p = .02). These data document the weak, but stable, muscle force present in these children and relate the strength of function.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC 20010-2970.
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Koch
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Simenson
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D001132:Arm; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015444:Exercise; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D009132:Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009134:Muscular Atrophy, Spinal / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular