Adaptation of children's arm rehabilitation measure (CHARM) to Turkish, examination of the relationship between gross motor function level and upper extremity activity level in children with cerebral palsy

The purpose of this study was to adaptation of Chıldren's Arm Rehabılıtatıon Measure (ChARM) to Turkısh, examination of the relationship between gross motor function level, use of assistive equipment and upper extremity activity level in children with cerebral palsy The study included 69 children with cerebral palsy between 5-16 years of age. The socio-demographic and clinic characteristics of the children were questioned by a form prepared by the researcher. Children's upper extremity activity level was assessed by ChARM and Hand Related Skill Scale (ABİLHAND-Kids). The correlation between the ChARM and ABİLHAND-Kids was examined to determine validity of the scale. The Cronbach alpha value was calculated to determine internal consistency. In order to determine test-retest reliability "Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC)" value was calculated. Functional independence of the children was assessed by the Pediatric Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM), functional level of the children was evaluated by the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). The average age of the children was 9,38±3,89 years. There was a good correlation between ChARM and ABİLHAND-Kids in the positive direction (r=0,917, p<0,001). Internal consistency of ChARM was high (Cronbach alpha=0,958) and test-retest reliability was very high (ICC=0,953). There was no association between they use assistive devices and upper extremity activity levels (p=0,602). There was a good correlation between ChARM and GMFCS in the negative direction (p<0,001). The Turkish version of ChARM is a valid and reliable scale for children with cerebral palsy. The high level of functional levels of children has led to upper extremity activity levels and high level functional independence levels. Keywords: assistive equipment, cerebral palsy, reliability, upper limb, validity