Research Information System
Neurosurgery Quarterly, vol.25, no.2, pp.145-148, 2015 (Scopus)
Background: As many activities are affected consequently, impairment of hand function is important in cerebral palsy (CP). Aims: The aim of this study was evaluation of hand function and sensation in children with CP. Study Design: A cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six children with CP and 18 healthy children were enrolled into the study. Grip strength of both the hands, lifting 2 objects 10 times weighing 200 and 400 g, superficial sensation, deep sensation, and cortical sensation of hands were evaluated in all children. Level of functional activity and presence of ambulation were also recorded. Results: There were statistically significant differences between CP and control groups with respect to grip strength of both hands, lifting an object weighing 400 g, and stereognosis (discrimination of 10 objects). Higher grip strength values were observed in ambulating patients. There were negative correlations between functional activity level (lower functional activity level score represented better function) and lifting 10 times an object weighing 200 and 400 g for both hands, and the number of discriminated objects among 10 for nondominant hand. Superficial sensation was normal in 94%, and graphestesia was normal in 47% of children with CP. Conclusion: Hand function and sensation are impaired in children with CP.