Reliability of maximum isometric arm, grip and pinch strength measurements in children (7-12 years) with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy.

CONCLUSIONS: The HDD and E-link system are usable measurement instruments for cross-sectional muscle strength measurements in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy. It is not clear if both instruments are usable to measure changes in muscle strength within an individual, especially if a child with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy has low muscle strength. Caution in the interpretation of changes in muscle strength is therefore necessary. Implications for Rehabilitation The hand-held dynamometer and E-Link Evaluation System are reliable measurement instruments to measure muscle strength of the arm and hand in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy, aged 7-12 years. Cross-sectional measurements; it is possible to measure upper extremity muscle strength in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy with the hand-held dynamometer and E-link system. Longitudinal measurements; changes in upper extremity muscle strength within one person should be interpreted with care, especially if a child with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy has low muscle strength. PMID: 30623690 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Disability and Rehabilitation - Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Tags: Disabil Rehabil Source Type: research