Quality of Reach During a Game and During a Rote Movement in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

This study builds on previous research that contrasted occupational forms in terms of the kinematic characteristics of reaching. Two ABA single subject experiments examined the reaching movements of two 4 year old girls with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy. During the A phases, the child reached for a cylinder. In the B phase (occupationally embedded movement condition), the child reached for a cylindrical doll while playing a game. Three dimensional motion analysis equipment recorded kinematic variables. Visual analysis of the data showed the occupationally embedded movement was characterized by fewer movement units, less movement time, and greater velocity for both children. The peak velocity occurred at a later point in the reach for one child. No differences were found with displacement. The study clearly illustrated that the quality of movement was different when reaching for a doll while playing a game as opposed to reaching with limited meaning and purpose.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Julie Jepsen Thomas

Michael Lepp, PT, is in private practice, Associate Instructor of the Upledger Institute, and Clinical Instructor, Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry, Cleveland, OH.

Marie McKenzie, MS, OTR, is in private practice. She was Coordinator of Occupational Therapy at Scottish Rite Hospital at the time of this study.

Heather Miller, MS, OTR/L, is currently employed by Madison County Educational Service Center, providing therapy services to the county's pre-schools. This research was completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements of an MS degree at Ohio State University.

Linda Viscardis, BA, is Team Leader and Community Development Worker, Peterborough Family Enrichment Centre. She is Co-Founder of P.R.O.S.P.E.C.T.S., a support and advocacy group for families who have children with special needs.

Debra Stewart, BSc, OT(C), is Occupational Therapist, Erinoak, Serving Young People with Physical Disabilities, Mississauga, ON, and Clinical Lecturer, School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University.

Janette McDougall, MA, was Project Coordinator

Kip Husted, BEd, was a parent representative on the study team.

Aviva Yochman, MA, OTR, was a student in the School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel at the time of this study.