Upper Extremity Movement Pathology during Functional Tasks

Abstract

Children with unilateral cerebral palsy (uCP) typically present with largely divergent upper extremity sensorimotor impairments that impact on their independence and quality of life. While clinical assessment tools have vastly contributed to our understanding of arm and hand problems in children with uCP, the availability of three-dimensional movement analysis has allowed a more detailed and objective assessment of upper extremity movement pathology in these children. This chapter firstly discusses the typical and atypical development of arm and hand function. The second part provides an overview of measurement protocols and outcome parameters and summarizes upper extremity movement pathology in children with uCP.