Examination of motor function, balance, and quality of life levels in chi̇ldren with obstetric brachial plexus injury

Obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) is a serious clinical condition characterized by partial or complete flaccid paralysis in the upper extremity, resulting from injury to the nerve structures (C5, C6, C7, C8, and T1) that make up the brachial plexus during the perinatal period. The condition causes motor function loss, impaired balance, and a decrease in quality of life. In line with this, our study aimed to examine the levels of motor function, balance, and quality of life in children with obstetric brachial plexus injury. The study was conducted with 30 voluntary participants who were diagnosed with OBPP and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and were being followed up in hospitals, medical centers, and special education institutions in Istanbul. The participants were subjected to the Star Excursion Balance Test, Nine-Hole Peg Test, Box and Block Test, Single Leg Stance Test, the Hand Skills Classification System (EBSS), and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PEDSQL). Functional assessments were conducted separately for the affected and unaffected extremities. The study included 20 male and 10 female patients between the ages of 4 and 17. The analysis results indicate a moderately significant negative relationship between quality of life and fine motor skills classification (r= -0.40, p = 0.03). When comparing the Star Balance Test results of the affected and unaffected sides of all participants, statisticially significant differences have been observed in specific balance paramaters (Affected and unaffected Star Balance Test: anterior p<0.01, lateral p<0.04, posterior p<0.01, anteromedial p<0.01). Additionally, there was a significant difference in the results of the affected and unaffected sides of all participants in the Nine-Hole Peg Test (p<0.05), and similarly a significant difference was found when comparing the results of the affected and unaffected sides in the Box and Blocks Test (p<0.05). In conclusion, it was determined that the motor function of children with OBPP in our sample was decreased, balance was impaired, and their daily quality of life was low. It was found that static balance was associated with hand skills and hand function, and the level of quality of life was influenced by hand skills. Only a relationship between medial evaluation and hand function was identified for dynamic balance assessment, while no relationship was found among other parameters.