Upper limb orthoses and assistive technology utilization in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy recruited from a population register

Abstract

Objective: To describe the use of upper limb orthoses and assistive technologies (AT) in a representative community-based sample of children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP) and compare children on the basis of their prescription.

Method: Survey of all children with HCP entered on a population register. Outcome measures included a clinical examination; Assessment of Motor and Process skills; Self-perception Profile for Children; PedsQL version 4; Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory.

Results: Of 107 respondents, 56% were prescribed upper limb orthoses and 46% AT; 48% of children prescribed upper limb orthoses were using them, compared to 98% of children prescribed AT. Greater tone at the wrist was associated with orthotic prescription (OR [95% CI] 39.6 [4.8, 323]).

Conclusion: Children with HCP prescribed orthoses and AT are a more severely affected group. AT have higher utility than upper limb orthoses in children with HCP, with orthoses having a high rate of abandonment.

• Child
• hemiplegia
• upper extremity
• orthotic devices