Article

Our aim was to determine if improved upper limb kinematics in children with
cerebral palsy (CP) during a reach-to-grasp task could be retained and
transferred to a similar task. We also characterized the relationship between
sensation and motor learning. METHOD: We used a prospective, single-participant
research design with 16 children (seven males, nine females; mean/median age
8.6/9 y; age range 6-11 y) with spastic hemiparesis (Manual Ability
Classification System levels II-IV). Children were randomly allocated to one of
two groups: (1) task-oriented training with or (2) without trunk restraint. The
intervention consisted of three 1-hour sessions per week for 5 weeks (total 15
h). Evaluations consisted of sensory modalities (tactile threshold, touch,
proprioception, stereognosis) and upper limb kinematics during reach-to-grasp of
an object located near and far from the body (five assessments: three
pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention and 3 mo post-intervention).
RESULTS: Motor improvements could be retained 3 months after the intervention and
transferred to a similar task in children with CP. Proprioception and tactile
thresholds were associated with retention of improvements in endpoint velocity
(F2,13 =4.832, p=0.027). INTERPRETATION: Practice of activities aimed at
improving upper limb kinematics led to better learning and retention of movement
patterns in children with CP. Our results underline the importance of sensation
for motor learning in children with CP.
CI - (c) 2013 Mac Keith Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS