Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Upper Extremity Strength Measurement in Children with Cerebral Palsy


Physical Therapy published a systemic review of available instruments to measure upper extremity strength in children with cerebral palsy.  The researchers identified 6 different measurement instruments.  Two test-retest reliability studies were rated as “fair” for the level of evidence. All other studies were rated as “unknown” for the level of evidence.

The researchers concluded the following:

  • for measuring grip strength the Jamar® dynamometer is recommended 
  • to measure other muscle groups HHD dynamometry is recommended
  • manual muscle testing (MMT) can be used in case of limited (below MMT grade 4) wrist strength or for total upper limb muscle strength. 
  • overall, because of lacking information regarding other clinimetric properties one should be cautious with the interpretation of the results.
Reference:  Koen J.F.M. Dekkers, Eugene A.A. Rameckers, Rob J.E.M. Smeets, and Yvonne J.M. Janssen-Potten. Upper Extremity Strength Measurement for Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review of Available Instruments. PHYS THER published ahead of print January 10, 2014, doi:10.2522/ptj.20130166



This is an electronic book of 30 activities that encourage fine motor skills, upper extremity range of motion and coordination activities.   If you are looking for some new ideas for individuals with moderate to significant motor delays this ebook is filled with creative, fun activity ideas using common items.   Projects and activities include Zip Line, Sensory Window Box, Pendulum Painting, Supersize Stacking Rings, Car Ramp, Pipeline and more.


2 comments:

Sue Chen said...

Is the full study available? Thanks.

Your Therapy Source Inc said...

It is $10 to access the full article - http://ptjournal.apta.org/content/early/2014/01/09/ptj.20130166.full.pdf+html

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