Effects of upper-extremity weight-bearing on hand-opening and prehension patterns in children with cerebral palsy.
The purpose of this study was to determine whether upper-extremity weight-bearing has an effect on hand-opening and prehension patterns of children with spastic cerebral palsy. Children at the Bobath Centre (London) were studied. Effectiveness of intervention was determined by blind scoring of video-tapes of prehension components. Computer calculations of hand surface-area were done. There was an over-all increase in surface area, indicating an increased ability to open the hand; in addition, there was an increase in the maturity of movement components of prehension. These results provide relevant information about the application of upper-extremity weight-bearing.
Chakerian
D L
DL
U.S.C., Department of Physical Therapy and Biokinesiology, Los Angeles.
Larson
M A
MA
D001132:Arm / Q000503:physiopathology; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills; D009068:Movement; D009128:Muscle Spasticity; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D016474:Weight-Bearing