Investigation of trunk, posture and balance in children with Obstetric Brachial Plexus Paralysis

The purpose of the study was to investigate the trunk flexibility, posture, and balance in children with Obstetric Brachial Plexus Paralysis (OBPP) and compare with healthy children. Fifty-five children with OBPP in the Type 2a and Type 2b groups, according to the Narakas classification, between the ages of 5 and 12, and 58 healthy children (control group) in the same age range participated in the study. Descriptive characteristics of the children in both groups were recorded. Upper extremity muscle strength of children with OBPP was evaluated with the Active Movement Scale, and functional movements were evaluated with the Mallet Scale. Upper extremity length measurement and trunk flexibility measurement were performed on children in both groups. New York Posture Analysis was used to evaluate posture, and Pediatric Balance Scale and Modified Y Balance Test were used to evaluate balance. The age and gender of the children were similar in both groups (p>0.05). It was found that children with OBPP had less trunk flexibility and had lower upper extremity length measurement, posture and balance measurement values than healthy children (p>0.05). In conclusion, it was observed that the trunk flexibility, posture and balance values of children with OBPP between the ages of 5-12 were negatively affected compared to healthy children. It was suggested that upper extremity, trunk, posture and balance be addressed with a holistic approach in both evaluation and physiotherapy and rehabilitation program in children with OBPP. Keywords: Brachial plexus, peripheral nerve injuries, postüre, postüral balance