The relationship between ambulation level and upper extremity anthropometric measurements in individuals with Cerebral Palsy

Aim: The aim of this study was to reveal the relationship between ambulation level and anthropometric measurements of upper extremities in individuals with cerebral palsy. Material-Methods: The study included 6-12 year old children with cerebral palsy diagnosed as ambulatory (n=34) and non-ambulatory (n=34) according to GMFCS. Demographic characteristics (age, height, weight, body mass index, dominant hand, gender, etc.) and anthropometric measurements (upper extremity length, circumference and diameter) were evaluated. Results: The mean age was 9 ± 2 years in the non-ambulatory group and 8 ± 2 years in the ambulatory group. Mean height was 1.14 ± 0.17 and 1.25 ± 0.12, mean weight was 20.21 ± 7.47 kg and 24.73 ± 7.32 kg, and mean body mass index was 15.09 ± 3.31 kg/m2 and 15.53 ± 2.39 kg/m2, respectively. The results of right arm length (p=0.001) and left arm length (p=0.001) were statistically higher in the ambulatory group compared to the non-ambulatory group. In the forearm, right forearm length (p=0.001) and left arm length (p=0.001) measurements were also statistically higher in the ambulant group. In hand length measurements, right hand length (p=0.006) and left hand length (p=0.007) were statistically higher in the ambulant group compared to the non-ambulant group. The results of right elbow diameter (p=0.001) and left elbow diameter (p<0.001) were statistically higher in the ambulated group, while the results of right hand diameter (p=0.013) and left hand diameter (p=0.003) were also higher in the non-ambulated group. Conclusion: Arm, forearm and hand length measurements were found to be higher in ambulant children with cerebral palsy and hand and elbow diameters were found to be larger on both sides in ambulant children. Keywords: Cerebral Palsy, Anthropometry, Ambulation