The Hand Functions In Cerebral Palsy

Primary outcomes

1. The Jebsen-Taylor Test

   Time frame: this evaluation was done twice; before the first therapy and after six weeks by the same physiotherapist.

   The Jebsen-Taylor Test is a reliable tool that evaluates the hand function of children with CP. The test includes seven items. These items are; writing a 24-letter sentence, turning over five cards, picking up small objects (two pieces of pennies/bottle caps/paperclips), simulated feeding (using a teaspoon and five kidney beans), stacking four checkers, picking up and moving five large empty tin boxes and then five large full boxes. During the assessment, the child with CP was seated in front of a table and test was performed by hemiparetic hand. Time was recorded on each item by stopwatch. The total score was calculated by collecting all items' time.

2. Moberg pick-up test

   Time frame: this evaluation was done twice; before the first therapy and after six weeks by the same physiotherapist.

   To evaluate the functional performance of the hemiparetic hand Moberg pick-up test (MPUT) was used. MPUT consists of twelve items which are a wing nut, screw, key, nail, ₺1 coin, 50 kurus coin, washer, safety pin, paper clip, large and medium-sized hexagonal nut, and small square nut. The plastic container (60x30 cm) was placed lengthwise about 15 cm from the edge of the table on the opposite side of the items. The child was seated in a chair. The hemiparetic hand of children with CP was put on the same side as the 12 items which were randomly placed on the table. Children with CP were ordered to pick up the items one at a time and place them into the plastic container as fast as possible. The time was recorded with a stopwatch.