Background Evaluation of maladaptive compensatory movement is important to objectively identify the impact of prosthetic rehabilitative intervention on body mechanics. The Capacity Assessment of Prosthetic Performance for the Upper Limb (CAPPFUL) scores this type of compensation by comparing movements of the prosthesis user to movements of individuals with intact, sound upper limbs (ULs). However, expected movements of individuals with sound, intact ULs have not been studied for the set of tasks performed in the CAPPFUL. Objective To enhance the scoring approach for the maladaptive compensatory movement domain of the CAPPFUL by defining normative kinematic movement and characterizing variability and repeatability. Design Clinical measurement. Setting Laboratories at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and University of Texas‐Arlington. Participants Convenience sample of 20 participants with no upper limb (UL) disability or impairment. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measurements Kinematic trajectories, range of motion, maximum angle, and completion time were calculated. Repeatability and intersubject variability were assessed by calculating Pearsonʼs correlation coefficient (R), adjusted coefficient of multiple correlation (CMCadj), and max SD (SDmax) for nine joint angles at the elbow, shoulder, neck, and torso. Results For most joints evaluated, repeatability was lower (R < 0.8) for CAPPFUL 3‐Zip vest, CAPPFUL 7‐Cut w/ knife, and CAPPFUL 8‐Squeeze water, implying inconsistent approaches within a subject from trial to trial for a given task. For most tasks, the joint angle SDmax across all participants was <20°. The approach for completing CAPPFUL 1 ‐ Weights in crate and CAPPFUL 4 ‐ Pick up dice was generally similar across participants (CMCadj >0.4). For other tasks, however, different approaches across participants at the torso and shoulder joint can be seen. Conclusion(s) This work established the expected movements of individuals with sound, intact ULs for tasks performed in the CAPPFUL that can be used to inform consistent, standardized scoring of the maladaptive compensatory movement domain.

The purpose of this review is to examine how whole-body vibration can be used as a tool in therapy to help improve common physical weaknesses in balance, bone density, gait, spasticity, and strength experienced by individuals with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is the most common movement disorder in children, and whole-body vibration is quickly becoming a potential therapeutic tool with some advantages compared to traditional therapies for individuals with movement disorders. The advantages of whole-body vibration include less strain and risk of injury, more passive training activity, and reduced time to complete an effective therapeutic session, all of which are appealing for populations with physiological impairments that cause physical weakness, including individuals with cerebral palsy. This review involves a brief overview of cerebral palsy, whole-body vibration’s influence on physical performance measures, its influence on physical performance in individuals with cerebral palsy, and then discusses the future directions of whole-body vibration therapy in the cerebral palsy population.

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