Evaluation of relationship between upper extremity functions and oral motor functions in children with cerebral palsy

Toksal, A. Assessment of the relationship between upper extremity functions and oral motor function in children with cerebral palsy. Hacettepe University Institute of Health Sciences Neurology Physiotherapy Program, Master Thesis, Ankara 2018. The purpose of this study is; The relationship between upper extremity function and oral motor function in children with cerebral palsy. Included were 45 cerebral palsy children aged 5 to 12 years with a Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) score of 1-2-3. Upper extremity functions, swallowing functions, chewing performance, oral structure and functions, nutritional behavior, nutritional behavior, body control were evaluated. It was recorded that the children were eating one biscuit and drinking 90 cc of water. There was no statistically significant relationship between upper extremity functions, swallowing functions and feeding patterns of children (p> 0,05). There was statistically significant correlation between upper extremity functions and chewing functions of children, one biscuit eating time and 90 cc drinking time (p <0.05). Oral structure and functions of children were compared with upper extremity functions, and a significant difference was found between paretic hand and healthy hand (p <0.05). There was a significant relationship between trunk control of individuals and upper extremity functions and feeding times (p <0.05). In this study, it was concluded that upper extremity functions of children with cerebral palsy are related to oral structure, nutritional duration, chewing skill and nutritional behavior. These results show that therapeutic approaches in oral motor rehabilitation programs should be planned in a way that includes trunk, upper extremity and oral motor functions. Keywords: Cerebral palsy, upper extremity, oral motor function, dysphagia, mastication