ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To assess functional activities of the upper extremity of young adults with cerebral palsy (CP) and to determine their relations with participant characteristics and participation. METHOD: Assessment of functional activities of the upper extremity was performed on 103 participants (aged 16-20 years) with the Melbourne assessment and the Abilhand Questionnaire. Participation was measured with the Life Habits Questionnaire. Participant characteristics included age, gender, limb distribution of the spastic paresis, educational level and gross and fine motor function. Relations among these variables were studied by means of correlation coefficients and linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Limitations in functional activities of the upper extremity were related to the limb distribution of the spastic paresis and were especially present in quadriplegic participants. Significant correlations between participant characteristics and measures of functional activities were present. Limitations in functional activities of the upper extremity, measured with the Abilhand Questionnaire, were an important determinant for participation, in addition to the gross motor function and educational level. CONCLUSION: Limitations in functional activities of the upper extremity are an important determinant for restrictions in participation in young adults with CP. It is recommended to include assessment of functional activities of the upper extremity in patients with CP.
Subject(s)
Activities of Daily Living , Cerebral Palsy/physiopathology , Upper Extremity/physiopathology , Adolescent , Adult , Cerebral Palsy/rehabilitation , Disability Evaluation , Female , Humans , Male , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of apraxia in patients with a first left hemisphere stroke. SUBJECTS: Left hemisphere stroke patients staying at an inpatient care unit of a rehabilitation centre or nursing home and receiving occupational therapy (n = 600). MEASURES: A short questionnaire on general patient characteristics and stroke-related aspects was completed by occupational therapists for every left hemisphere stroke patient they treated. A diagnosis of apraxia or nonapraxia was made in every patient, on the basis of a set of clinical criteria. RESULTS: The prevalence of apraxia among 492 first left hemisphere stroke patients in rehabilitation centres was 28% (96/338) and in nursing homes 37% (57/154). No relationship was found between the prevalence of apraxia and age, gender or type of stroke (haemorrhage or infarct). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that approximately one-third of left hemisphere stroke patients has apraxia.
