Reproducibility of tactile assessments for children with unilateral cerebral palsy.
A systematic review identified tactile assessments used in children with cerebral palsy (CP), but their reproducibility is unknown. Sixteen children with unilateral CP and 31 typically developing children (TDC) were assessed 2-4 weeks apart. Test-retest percent agreements within one point for children with unilateral CP (and TDC) were Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments: 75% (90%); single-point localization: 69% (97%); static two-point discrimination: 93% (97%); and moving two-point discrimination: 87% (97%). Test-retest reliability for registration and unilateral spatial tactile perception tests was high in children with CP (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.79-0.96). Two tests demonstrated a learning effect for children with CP, double simultaneous and tactile texture perception. Stereognosis had a ceiling effect for TDC (ICC = 0) and variability for children with CP (% exact agreement = 47%-50%). The Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, single-point localization, and both static and moving two-point discrimination are recommended for use in practice and research. Although recommended to provide a comprehensive assessment, the measures of double simultaneous, stereognosis, and tactile texture perception may not be responsive to change over time in children with unilateral CP.
Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. mauld@uq.edu.au
Megan Louise
ML
Auld
Robert S
RS
Ware
Roslyn Nancy
RN
Boyd
G Lorimer
GL
Moseley
Leanne Marie
LM
Johnston
D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003943:Diagnostic Techniques, Neurological; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D055698:Touch Perception