A method to measure reaching capacity of children with neuromuscular disorders.
OBJECTIVE
The measurement of quantitative changes in upper-extremity skills has been limited by the lack of objective standardized measures and, therefore, reaching tasks have been subjectively defined.


METHODS
A frame made from PVC tubing was constructed to assist in measuring the parameters of vertical, horizontal, and cross midline functional reach of children with neuromuscular disorders, and a measurement protocol was adopted for obtaining the measures of reach.


CONCLUSIONS
Suggestions for assuring consistency in measurements and further exploration of the number of sessions required to determine a child's best reaching effort are put forth.
Wiens
Gayle A
GA
Rainbows United, Inc.
Pitetti
Kenneth P
KP
D001132:Arm / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology