Article

The dysfunction of individuals with upper limb deficiencies affects
their daily lives and social participation. OBJECTIVES: To clarify the adaptive
behaviours and motor skills of children with upper limb deficiencies. METHODS: The subjects were 10 children ranging
from 1 to 6 years of age with unilateral upper limb deficiencies at the level
distal to the elbow who were using only cosmetic or passive prostheses or none at
all. To measure their adaptive behaviour and motor skills, the Vineland Adaptive
Behavior Scales, Second Edition was used. They were evaluated on the domains of
communication, daily living skills, socialization and motor skills. We also
examined the relationship of the scores with age. RESULTS: There were no
statistically significant scores for domains or subdomains. The domain standard
score of motor skills was significantly lower than the median scores of the
domains and was negatively correlated with age. CONCLUSION: Children with upper
limb deficiencies have individual weaknesses in motor skill behaviours, and these
weaknesses increase with age. It may be helpful in considering approaches to
rehabilitation and the prescription of prostheses to consider the characteristics
and course of children's motor skill behaviours. Clinical relevance Even if
children with unilateral upper limb deficiencies seem to compensate well for
their affected limb function, they have or will experience individual weaknesses
in motor skills. We should take this into consideration to develop better
strategies for rehabilitation and prostheses prescriptions.

Langue : ANGLAIS