UPPER LIMB MOVEMENT VARIABILITY AND TASK PERFORMANCE IN DYSKINETIC CEREBRAL PALSY: AN INSTRUMENTED KINEMATIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

Upper limb function is significantly impacted by the aimless, erratic movements associated with dyskinetic cerebral palsy (DCP). The need for objective, instrumented evaluation techniques is demonstrated by the clinical assessment scales' weak sensitivity to movement variability and task execution characteristics. Using instrumented motion analysis, upper limb motion variability, task length, and joint kinematics during functional reach tasks were described for people with dyskinetic cerebral palsy in comparison to their peers without disabilities. Three standardized upper limb activities were completed by subjects with DCD and the same age usually developing comparison group: reach forward, reach laterally, and reach-to-grasp vertically. Upper limb kinematics were assessed using three-dimensional optometric motion capture, and segmental angular velocity was obtained using inertial measurement units. The coefficient of multiple correlations for between-trial comparisons was used to assess movement variability. To identify motor control techniques, the task's duration and joint angles upon task completion were analyzed. Across all activities, persons with DCP had considerably more movement variability than those with usual development. In the DCP group, task completion joint locations varied, especially at the wrist and elbow, and task time was longer. Distal tasks were the most variable. Clinical observation alone is unable to capture the unique movement characteristics of dyskinetic cerebral palsy, according to instrumented assessment. The importance of quantitative motion analysis for clinical assessment and intervention monitoring is demonstrated by increased variability, extended task execution, and modified joint strategies.