Kinematic analyze of reach to grasp movement variables in children with cerebral palsy aged between 5 and 10 years

• Grant number: 13/22510-0
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): February 01, 2014
• Effective date (End): December 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal researcher: Eloisa Tudella
• Grantee: Heloisa Corrêa Bueno Nardim
• Home Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Purpose: To analyze the kinematic variables of the reach to grasp movement in children with cerebral palsy aged between 5 and 10 years. Methods: This study will include children aged between 5 and 10 years, divided into two groups: the control group with healthy children and an experimental group with children with cerebral palsy. The study will be divided into two steps: First: data will be collected regarding muscle strength, performed by manual muscle testing, and grip strength obtained by manual dynamometer. Second: data will be collected for the kinematic assessment of reach to grasp movement. Kinematic data will be acquired using reflective markers fixed on the styloid process of the radius, the thumb and index finger on the child preferred hand, by verbal commands and incentives to grasp the object. Expected Outcomes: To find intersections between the kinematic data and other variables such as muscle strength and understanding and predicting kinematic specifics concerning the group of children with CP. We intend that the obtained data can be extrapolated to clinical practice, using new approaches to treatment for the progress of the child development.