Abstract

Objective: This exploratory study aims to assess bimanual hand use in children and adolescents with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP), focusing on the functional patterns, strategies, and challenges associated with their hand use.

Background: Unilateral spastic CP often results in significant asymmetry in hand function, impacting the ability to perform coordinated bimanual tasks. Understanding how these children use their hands together can provide insights into their functional abilities and guide therapeutic interventions.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis involving a cohort of children and adolescents with unilateral spastic CP. Participants were observed performing a series of bimanual tasks designed to assess hand coordination, grip strength, and task efficiency. Data were collected through direct observation and video analysis, and were subsequently analyzed to identify common patterns and difficulties in bimanual hand use.

Results: The study identified distinct patterns of bimanual hand use among participants, with variations in coordination and task performance linked to the severity of motor impairment. Challenges included difficulties with synchronized movements and task completion, though some children demonstrated adaptive strategies to compensate for their motor limitations.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the diverse strategies and difficulties in bimanual hand use among children with unilateral spastic CP. These insights can inform the development of targeted therapeutic approaches aimed at improving functional outcomes and hand coordination in this population.