Arm Muscle Strength in Children with Bilateral Spastic CP

Abstract

Aims: To assess arm-muscle strength related to motor function in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy, 5–15 years old. Methods: Muscle strength was measured for shoulder abductors, elbow extensors and flexors, wrist extensors, and grip strength. The children were grouped according to the Manual Ability Classification Scale (MACS). Results: Forty-two children were included. The majority of the children at MACS levels I–II were within the normal range; shoulder abductors were weakest (mean 60–80% of predicted value), and variation was greatest for wrist extensors. Children at MACS level II showed lower values than children at level I, with significant differences for shoulder abductors (p=.028) and wrist extensors (p