The relationship between upper extremity sensation and motor skill in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy

In this study, the upper extremity sensation and motor skills of children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) were evaluated and compared with healthy children. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between upper extremity sensory impairments and motor skills in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. The study included 20 children with spastic diplegic CP and 20 healthy children, aged 4- 12 years. Sensory functions of the children were assessed using subtests of the Ayres Southern California Sensory Integration Tests (SCSIT) and the stereognosis test. For motor skill evaluation, the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST) and the ABILHAND-Kids questionnaire were used. The results of these assessments indicated that upper extremity sensory and motor skill deficits were more pronounced in children with spastic diplegic CP compared to healthy children (p<0.05). Additionally, the relationship between sensory tests and motor skills in children with spastic diplegic CP was examined. No significant relationship was found between the touch localization test, double touch localization test, and the ABILHAND-Kids questionnaire (p>0.05). However, a moderately significant positive correlation was identified between the finger recognition test and the ABILHAND-Kids questionnaire (r=0.547, p<0.05). Similarly, a moderately significant positive correlation was observed between the stereognosis test and the ABILHAND-Kids questionnaire (r=0.604, p<0.05). Further analysis was conducted on the relationship between motor skills and sensory tests. While no significant correlation was found between the finger recognition test and QUEST (p>0.05), a moderately significant negative correlation was detected between the touch localization test and QUEST (r=-0.536, p<0.05). A moderately significant positive correlation was found between the double touch localization test and QUEST (r=0.525, p<0.05), as well as between the stereognosis test and QUEST (r=0.538, p<0.05). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy experience sensory losses compared to healthy children, and these losses are associated with motor skills. Accordingly, it emphasizes the need to prioritize sensory assessments and interventions in rehabilitation programs.