The effect of shoulder stabilization exercises on hand functions in kids with hemiplegic cerebral palsy

Bayram Dündar, The effect of shoulder stabilization exercises on hand functions in kids with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy, Hasan Kalyoncu University, Institude of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Master's Thesis, Gaziantep, 2018. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of shoulder stabilization exercises on hand functions in kids with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. 28 kids diagnosed with hemiplegic cerebral palsy whose ages between 6 and 18 years were included to the study. 28 kids were seperated into two groups as 14 in study group and 14 in control group. Both groups were included in the physiotherapy program for 10 weeks, 2 days a week on a regular basis. Shoulder stabilization exercises were added to the rehabilitation program of the study group. Demographic datas (sex, age, weight, height, and dominant and nondominant sides) were recorded. Handicapped Classification System (MACS), Pediatric Functional Independence Scale (WeeFIM), Nine Hole Peg Test, Box Block Test, Hand-related Ability Scale (ABILHAND-Kids) assessments were used to determine the functional levels of kids. The assessments; was carried out by a different physiotherapist except the physiotherapist practicing the treatment, twice before the physiotherapy program and at the end of the 10 weeks. As a result of the statistical analysis, an increase was observed in hand function, hand skills, hand ability and functional independence level parameters in the study group after 10 weeks of physiotherapy program, both dominant and non dominant (p <0.05). In the control group, an increase was observed in hand function in dominant hand and an increase was observed in all parameters except the hand skills in the non dominant hand. However, there was no statistical increase between the study group and the control group (p> 0.05). As a result, it was observed that the stabilization exercises applied to the shoulder in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy developed hand functions. We think that there is a need for more comprehensive and long-term follow-up work in order to observe the long-term effects of exercises. Key words: Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy, Shoulder Stabilization, Hand Functions, Functional Independence, Hand Skills.