Investigation of the relationship between upper extremity lateralization and dual task cost in individuals with hemiplegic cerebral palsy

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to investigate the relationship between upper extremity lateralization and dual-task cost in individuals with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy (HCP). This is a new and unknown issue in Cerebral Palsy. Material and methods: The descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 63 individuals between the ages of 7 and 17 years: 40 with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy and 23 typically-developing peers. The individuals with HCP received a pre-assessment performed with the Gross Motor Function Classification System, Manual Ability Classification System, and Communication Function Classification System. Left-right judgement was assessed by the laterality judgement task, and manual ability was evaluated with the Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT). Functional tests included upper extremity functional tests; dual-task interference was also assessed between this test and the NHPT. Results: A significant difference was found between the HCP group and the typically-developing group regarding lateralization accuracy and dual-task cost (p < 0.05). Lateralization response time was related with dominant cognitive NHPT dual-task cost (r = 0.327, p = 0.040). Lateralization accuracy was also related to dominant cognitive NHPT dual-task cost, and lateralization response time with non-dominant motor NHPT dual-task cost (r = -0.360, p = 0.023; r = 0.312, p = 0.050, respectively). Conclusions: Individuals with HCP have difficulty with dual tasks compared to typically developing peers. A relationship was observed between upper extremity lateralization and dual-task cost in individuals with HCP. This can be a significant consideration when designing more effective intervention approaches on upper extremity lateralization and dual-task individuals with HCP.