title: Hand function in the play behavior of children with cerebral palsy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of hand function on the occupational performance of playing for children with cerebral palsy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty children with cerebral palsy took part in the study, of both genders, aged 3-10 years, with motor abilities ranging from I to V and manual abilities from II to IV. Data were collected using the Assessment of Ludic Behaviour before and after botulinum toxin was applied in the upper limbs to reduce spasticity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant differences were found between the scores before and after the application of botulinum toxin in relation to the total Assessment of Ludic Behaviour score (p < 0.001), as well as in basic ludic interest (p = 0.003), basic ludic ability (p < 0.001), ludic attitude (p = 0.008), and communication of needs and feelings (p = 0.025), except for general level of interest (p = 0.957).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The reduction of spasticity permits better handling of the play materials, which promotes the children's involvement in play situations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Occupational Therapy , Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo.
authors.forename: Luzia Iara
authors.initials: LI
authors.lastname: Pfeifer
authors.forename: Thaís Reis
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.forename: Daniela Baleroni Rodrigues
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Maria Paula
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Panúncio Pinto
authors.forename: Carla Andrea
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Caldas
authors.forename: Jair Lício Ferreira
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Santos
mesh_terms: D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000188:drug therapy; D010988:Play and Playthings; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A; C542869:abobotulinumtoxinA
keywords: assessment of Ludic Behaviour; botulinum toxin; occupational performance; upper limbs