Determinants of Manual Abilities of Children with Cerebral Palsy: A National Registry-Based Study

Abstract

Purpose: This cross-sectional study aimed to identify determinants of manual abilities of children with cerebral palsy (CP), as measured by the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), in terms of intrinsic (child-related) and extrinsic (service-related) variables. Methods: The participants were 106 children with a confirmed diagnosis of CP (aged 4–16 years). Two ordinal logistic regression models were conducted to identify intrinsic and extrinsic determinants of manual abilities. Results: Four child-related (intrinsic) variables were found to be significant determinants of manual abilities: bimanual ability, ability to maintain and assume chair sitting, presence of seizures, and gross motor function, and only one service-related (extrinsic) significant variable was identified, which was receiving spasticity medications. Discussion: The results highlight several determinants that should be considered when assessing and intervening to improve manual abilities of children with CP. The findings are discussed in relation to the intervention approach, contextual modification, and assistive device prescription.