Abstract:

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different sitting positions on upper limb functions of children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: Twenty-one children with bilateral CP who were between 18 and 60 months (mean age 42±11 months), in level IV according to Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) were included in the study. Motor function was evaluated using “Gross Motor Function Measurement (GMFM)”, postural stability was assessed using “Early Clinical Assessment of Balance (ECAB)”. Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST) was used to assess upper extremity function in child-adapted chair-sitting position and unsupported floor sitting position. Results: The mean percentage GMFMtotal score was 29.69±3.87 (23.19-38.99) and ECABtotal sore was 21.15±4.0 . QUEST “disassociated movement” (32.44±18.86) and “grasp” (8.07±27.0) subdivision scores and total (26.72±26.08) scores with adapted-chair sitting were significantly higher than those of floor sitting (p<0.05). Conclusion: Child-adapted chair-sitting position is the most functional position for upper limb activities of bilateral spastic CP with GMFCS level IV. Family should be informed that different types of floor sitting positions were not functional, and child should not be placed on the floor sitting positions while eating or playing

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