Contra-Lateral Unintended Upper Arm Movement during Unimanual Tasks in Children with Cerebral Palsy

PURPOSE: To characterize associated reactions (ARs) in the contralateral arm across multiple muscles during unimanual tasks and to identify factors related to ARs in children with cerebral palsy (CP).MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, cross-sectional study of 35 children with CP. The extent of ARs of the contra-lateral, non-task hand was assessed while performing three unimanual tasks (opening and clenching the fist, a finger opposition task, and tapping fingers). The occurrence of ARs in each trial was evaluated separately for each task using a four-point scale (total scores ranged from 0 to 12). Surface electromyography (SEMG) was used to measure the firing activity of the muscles of the opposite arm during the task. The Manual Ability Classification System and Melbourne Assessment 2 (MA-2) were used to evaluate upper limb function.RESULTS: AR scores were higher in the more-affected limb than in the less-affected limb. SEMG data on the non-task hand showed motor overflow up to the elbow muscles in the more-affected limb. Root mean square ratios of EMG signals were significantly higher in children with ARs than in children without ARs. Multiple regression analysis showed both age and MA-2 to be significant factors related to ARs in the more-affected limb.CONCLUSION: Children with visible ARs showed motor overflow in the non-task limb during unimanual hand tasks. Age and upper limb function were significantly related to the extent of ARs in the more-affected limb of children with CP.

Effect of Core Stability Training on Associated Reaction of Upper Limb in Stroke Patients with Hemiplegia / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective To observe the effect of core stability training on the associated reaction of upper limbs in stroke patients with hemiplegia. Methods From November, 2014 to May, 2016, sixty stroke patients with hemiplegia were randomly divided into control group (n=30) and treatment group (n=30). Both groups accepted routine rehabilitation, while the treatment group received core stability training for 20 minutes during exercise. They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE), Fugl-Meyer Assess-ment-Lower Extremities (FMA-LE), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Associated Reaction Rating Scale (ARRS) before and 6 weeks after treatment. Results The scores of FMA-UE, FMA-LE, BBS and ARRS improved significantly in both groups after treatment (t>12.158, P2.317, P<0.05). Conclusion Core stability training can re-lieve the associated reaction of upper limb in stroke patients with hemiplegia.