Functional activities of the upper extremity of young adults with cerebral palsy: a limiting factor for participation?

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.