Therapy management of the upper limb in children with cerebral palsy: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Purpose: To establish perceived severity of upper limb (UL) impairments and their therapeutic management in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was mailed to all 208 paediatric physiotherapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) working in a region of the UK. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, frequency counts and chi-square tests.

Results: A 74% response rate was achieved, of which 94 questionnaires were valid for analysis. Many impairments were rated as affecting the UL to a moderate or great extent. Goniometry and manual muscle testing were frequently reported for measuring UL impairment and by significantly more PTs than OTs. UL activity measures were rarely reported as being available or used by therapists. Participants frequently reported using positioning, neurodevelopmental therapy and task practice to treat UL dysfunction.

Conclusions: UL management in children with CP could be enhanced by application of standardized measurement tools and evidence-based interventions.

• Cerebral palsy
• upper limb
• physiotherapy
• occupational therapy
• survey