Task-oriented training for improving upper limb function in children with spastic cerebral palsy.
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background and Purpose
The upper limb functions, including manual dexterity, upper limb coordination and grip strength, are reduced in spastic cerebral palsy (CP), which is crucial for daily activities and hand functions. Traditional interventions focus on impairment reduction but may not adequately translate to functional skills. Task-oriented training (TOT) is grounded in motor learning and neuroplasticity principles, emphasizes repetitive, goal-directed practice of meaningful tasks. This study evaluated the effectiveness of task-oriented training on upper limb functions in children with spastic CP.
Methods
A quasi-experimental pre-post study was conducted with 41 children aged 5-12 years diagnosed with spastic CP. Participants received TOT for 40 minutes, 3 times per week, for 4 weeks. Manual dexterity and upper limb coordination were measured using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2, and grip strength was assessed with a hydraulic dynamometer. Pre-post intervention scores were analyzed using paired t-tests.
Results
children demonstrated significant improvement in Manual dexterity (16.04 to 22.31, p <0.001), Upper limb coordination (13.09 to 17.85, p <0.001), and Grip strength (6.81 to 8.19, p <0.001).
Discussion and Conclusion
TOT produced meaningful gains in dexterity, upper limb coordination and grip strength, supporting its role in neurorehabilitation. The intervention is practical and adaptable for clinical use. Additional RCT with larger samples and longer follow-up are needed to validate these results. The study concludes that task-oriented training is effective in improving manual dexterity, upper limb coordination, and grip strength in children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy at the end of 4 weeks of the intervention.
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