Correlation of Range of Motion and Functional Performance of Upper Extremities in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Suwimol Prusmetikul MD1, Sivaporn Vongpipatana MD2, Patarawan Woratanarat MD1, Panithan Tuntiyatorn MD1,3, Tulyapruek Tawonsawatruk MD, PhD1
Affiliation : 1 Department of Orthopaedics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand 2 Deparment of Rehabilitation Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand 3 Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Objective : Upper extremity deformities in children with cerebral palsy greatly affects their functioning and their daily
activities. Range of motion of the upper extremity joints in children with cerebral palsy is usually limited. There is little
information available, however, regarding the relation between range of motion and functional outcomes of upper extremities
in children with cerebral palsy. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation both between the Upper
Extremity Rating Scale [UERS] and the Manual Ability Classification System [MACS] and also between the UERS test and
the Box and Block Test [BBT].
Materials and Methods : Fifty-seven children with cerebral palsy were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Their range of
motion was rated using the UERS, their ability to handle objects in daily activities was evaluated using MACS, and manual
dexterity of the upper limbs was determined using BBT. The more-affected side of each child was evaluated. Correlations
were assessed using Pearson’s and Spearman’s test.
Results : Pronation contracture and wrist flexion deformities were the most common problems in this study. Correlations in
children with cerebral palsy between the UERS and BBT (Pearson’s correlation, r = 0.5188; p<0.0001), and between UERS
and MACS (Spearman’s correlation, r = -0.5217; p<0.0001) were statistically significant.
Conclusion : There is a significant correlation between range of motion and functional performance of upper limbs in cerebral
palsy patients. This suggests that strategies to improve in range of motion of upper limb joints should be emphasized in order
to improve the functional performance in children with cerebral palsy.
Keywords : Cerebral palsy; Upper extremity deformity; Functional performance; Upper Extremity Rating Scale
