Compari̇son of the unaffected upper li̇mbs of chi̇ldren wi̇th hemi̇plegi̇c cerebral palsy and the upper extremi̇ti̇es of healthy chi̇ldren i̇n terms of strength, dexteri̇ty and functi̇onali̇ty

In this study, the upper extremities of children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy were examined in terms of strength, dexterity and functionality and compared with the dominant and non-dominant sides of healthy children. In the study between November 2018 and May 2019, there were 30 children with HCP with no secondary disability such as mental retardation between the ages of 6 and 16 who received physical therapy and rehabilitation in different special education rehabilitation centers in Istanbul. 30 healthy children without any systemic or neuromuscular problems. In all cases, grip strength was evaluated with "Jamar Dynamometer ",dexterity with"Nine Hole Peg Test "and "Box and Block Test" and functionality was evaluated with "Jebsen Hand Function Test" The dominant and non-dominant side data of healthy children and unaffected side data of children with HCP were compared. As a result of the study, there was no difference between the grip strength of dominant and non-dominant sides of healthy children and the grip strength of unaffected sides of children with HCP. The dominant and non-dominant sides of healthy children were found to be better than the unaffected sides of children with HCP in the NHPT and TKBT. In the JTHF test, it was determined that the unaffected sides of children with HCP were significantly behind those of healthy children. The superiority of the non-dominant side of healthy children compared to the unaffected sides of children with HCP was observed in the NHPT, TKBT and only one of the JTHF subtests. In conclusion, treatment methods to increase hand grip strength, dextrity and functionality in children with HCP should be applied not only to the affected hand but also to the unaffected hand.