![Sample our Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing & Allied Health journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5944/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Medicine-Dentistry-Nursing-Allied-Health.jpg"})
Abstract
Aim
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have difficulties performing activities that require the use of fundamental motor skills such as sit-to-stand (STS). In this study, we used a height adjustable chair and desk to investigate the role of desk support in STS and how it might benefit children with CP.
Methods
Seventeen typically developing children (TDC), average age = 9.7 years, and 28 children with CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] I and II), average age = 10.3 years, participated in the test. Elapsed time and body sway were measured using a pressure mat and load cell while each child performed a STS task. Two different desk heights were tested for time consumption and sway under the condition of hands-on-desk and arms-crossed.
Results
We found that the elapsed time of hands-on-desk with the elbow flexion height was the shortest (p < 0.05). Sway amount was also significantly reduced for all children when they used the table for STS (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Results of this study may be a useful reference in rehabilitation training and designing a desk height beneficial for children with CP.
Better performance of sit-to-stand for a child with cerebral palsy could be made by a desk support
Elapsed time during preparation period for sit-to-stand could be reduced by desk support for all CP children
Sway amount during sit-to-stand could be reduced by desk support, especially for the CP children with GMFCS level II
Desk height is an important parameter and should be studied in detail
Implications for Rehabilitation
Acknowledgments
The authors thank many physical therapists for their thoughtful assistance for all tests.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).