Upper Extremity Strengthening Interventions in Children With UCP

Ultrasonographic measurements will be performed using the Esaote Mylab 60 device with a linear probe. Muscle thickness will be assessed in the upper trapezius, rhomboid major, anterior deltoid, lateral triceps brachii, long head of biceps brachii, extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor digitorum communis, and flexor digitorum superficialis. Measurements will be taken with the elbow flexed at 70°, in standardized resting positions, with forearm in pronation or supination depending on the muscle group. To ensure reliability, three separate images per muscle will be taken, with the probe repositioned each time. Anatomical landmarks will be palpated and marked. Muscle thickness will be measured as the distance between the subcutaneous fat-muscle and muscle-bone interfaces.

Joint range of motion (ROM) will be assessed before and after treatment using a universal goniometer. Active ROM measurements will include shoulder flexion and abduction (measured in standing), elbow flexion and extension (in supine), and forearm pronation-supination and wrist flexion-extension (in sitting). Movements will first be demonstrated on the unaffected limb, then performed with the affected limb. Active ROM values will be recorded. Each movement will be measured three times, and the mean value in degrees will be documented. Measurements will follow Kendall-McCreary criteria to ensure standardization and accuracy.

Muscle strength of shoulder flexion-abduction, elbow flexion-extension, forearm pronation-supination, and wrist flexion-extension will be assessed before and after treatment using a hand-held dynamometer (HOGGAN microFET2). A towel will be placed between the limb and device to ensure full contact and minimize sensitivity caused by surface hardness. The "make method," accepted for pediatric use, will be applied: the physiotherapist will ask the child to push maximally against the fixed device. The test will first be demonstrated on the unaffected limb. Two practice trials will be conducted on the affected side to ensure comprehension, followed by three test measurements. A rest interval will be given between trials. The mean of the three tests will be recorded in kilograms (kg).

The Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST) is designed to assess upper extremity movement quality and hand function in children with cerebral palsy. It includes subtests for dissociated movements, grasp, weight-bearing, protective extension, hand function rating, spasticity grading, and cooperation. Each item is scored on a 3-point scale (0-2), based on whether the movement is successfully performed. The total score reflects the functional quality of the affected upper limb. The administration time is approximately 20-30 minutes.

ABILHAND-Kids is a functional scale used to assess manual ability in children with cerebral palsy and other pediatric neurological disorders. It supports treatment planning and goal setting by evaluating the child's ability to perform daily activities requiring hand use. The scale consists of 21 items, most involving bimanual tasks, and measures the perceived difficulty of these activities as reported by parents. Each item is rated on a 3-point ordinal scale: 0 = impossible, 1 = difficult, and 2 = easy. The scale provides insight into hand performance in self-care tasks from the caregiver's perspective.