THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCAPULAR STABILIZATION AND HAND FUNCTIONS IN CHILDREN WITH JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS

Background: Distal stabilization is an essential component for high quality proximal movement. In this regard, scapular stabilization is important for upper extremity and hand functions. Moreover, scapular stabilization might have a role as a support point for hand functions in patients with joint problems. However, the relationships between scapular stabilization and hand functions were not investigated in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).Objectives: To investigate the relationship between scapular stabilization and hand function in children with JIA with wrist arthritis history (JIAWrist+), and children with JIA without wrist arthritis history (JIAWrist-).Methods: A total of forty children (20 children for each group) were included in the study. Scapular stabilization was measured by using scapular muscle endurance test. General functional status, subjective hand functions, and objective hand functions were assessed by using Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ), Duruoz Hand Index, and Purdue Pegboard Test, respectively.Results: JIAWrist+ patients reported poorer hand functions compared to JIAWrist- patients. No significant differences were detected for other parameters. Scapular muscle endurance was moderately related to CHAQ Disability Index score, Purdue Pegboard Test (single hand score and assembly score) in JIAWrist+ patients, while there was only a significant relationship between scapular muscle endurance and Purdue Pegboard Test both hand score in JIAWrist- patients.Conclusion: According to our results, scapular endurance was found more related to hand functions in wrist involved JIA patients. It seems that scapular stabilization contributes to hand functions differently related to joint involvement in JIA patients. It might be a beneficial strategy to work on scapular muscles in JIA patients with wrist involvement and poor hand functions.