Reproducibility of Task-Oriented Bimanual and Unimanual Strength Measurement in Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Aim: To examine reproducibility of the arm-hand strength measured while performing the bimanual crate task and the unimanual pitcher task. Methods: 105 children diagnosed with unilateral Cerebral Palsy, aged between 6 and 18 years, participated in this study. The test–retest reliability of the force generated during bimanual crate task and unimanual pitcher task of the Task-oriented Arm-hAnd Capacity instrument was investigated using intraclass correlation two-way random model with absolute agreement. The intraclass correlations were calculated for two age groups (6–12 and 13–18 years old). Results: The results showed good test–retest reliability for the crate and pitcher task with the non-affected hand for both age groups. The results of the pitcher task for the affected hand showed moderate test–retest reliability for both age groups. Conclusion: The Task-oriented Arm-hAnd Capacity instrument has moderate to good test–retest reliability. It is a simple and objective instrument to assess task-oriented strength in children with unilateral cerebral palsy.

Keywords:

• Cerebral palsy
• upper extremity
• muscle strength
• task-oriented
• test–retest reliability

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mellanie Geijen

Mellanie Geijen, MSc, is a PhD student at the department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Maastricht University. Her particular interest is in upper limb strength tests in children with Cerebral Palsy.

Eugene Rameckers

Eugene Rameckers, PhD, is a pediatric physical therapist at Adelante, Hoensbroek and senior researcher at the department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Maastricht University. His expertise is in the field of strength training in the lower and upper extremities in children with Cerebral Palsy.

Marlous Schnackers

Marlous Schnackers, MSc, is a junior researcher at Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen. Her research focus is on upper limb tests in children with Cerebral Palsy.

Carolien Bastiaenen

Carolien Bastiaenen, PhD, is a clinical epidemiologist, physiotherapist, and Assistant Professor at the Department of Epidemiology, Maastricht University. Her expertise is in the field of health measures within the ICF framework.

Andrew Gordon

Andrew Gordon, PhD, is professor of Movement Science and Neuroscience and Education, Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, USA. His expertise is in the field of constraint-induced movement therapy and bimanual training in children with Cerebral Palsy.

Lucianne Speth

Lucianne Speth, MD, PhD, is a medical doctor in pediatric rehabilitation at Adelante, Hoensbroek. Her expertise is in the field of upper limb diagnostics in children.

Rob Smeets

Rob Smeets, MD, is a medical doctor in rehabilitation at Libra Rehabilitation, Eindhoven/Weert and professor of Rehabilitation Medicine at the department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Maastricht University. His expertise is in the field of chronic pain.