Relationship between hand functions and balance in children with cerebral palsy

Introduction: This study was planned to examine the relationship between hand function and balance in children with Cerebral Palsy(CP). Methods: 15 diparetic or hemiparetic CP children, between the ages of 5-15, was included in the study. They were at Level I, II or III according to Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), applied Neurodevelopmental Therapy(NDT). Intensive NDT were applied to increase the functional and motor skills for 8 weeks. Evaluations were repeated before and after treatment. MACS for functional hand using skills, 10 meter-walk test, 1 minute-walking test and Pediatric Balance Scale for balance capabilities of children with CP were used. Results: Mean ages of the patients were 120.40±31.69 months and 7(46.7%) were female, and 8(53.3%) were male. 8(53.3%) patients were diparetic, 2(13.3%) were right hemiparetic and 5(33.3%) were left hemiparetic. According to the distribution of the pre-treatment MACS, 7 patients for level I, 7 patients for level II and 1 patient for level III were in the study, and after treatment all patients were in Level I. Although improvements were detected in hand function and balance scores after treatment, hand using skills and balance scores were not correlated. Conclusion: It is known dexterity and balance in children with CP could be improved with proper treatment and clinical recommendations, and good functional hand using is effective on development of balance, positively. It is important to evaluate children and disability and interventions improving the functionality is required, while rehabilitation programs are planned