Reproducibility of Task-Oriented Bimanual and Unimanual Strength Measurement in Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Aim: To examine reproducibility of the arm-hand strength measured while performing the bimanual crate task and the unimanual pitcher task. Methods: 105 children diagnosed with unilateral Cerebral Palsy, aged between 6 and 18 years, participated in this study. The testretest reliability of the force generated during bimanual crate task and unimanual pitcher task of the Task-oriented Arm-hAnd Capacity instrument was investigated using intraclass correlation two-way random model with absolute agreement. The intraclass correlations were calculated for two age groups (6-12 and 13-18 years old). Results:The results showed good test-retest reliability for the crate and pitcher task with the non-affected hand for both age groups. The results of the pitcher task for the affected hand showed moderate test-retest reliability for both age groups. Conclusion: The Task-oriented Arm-hAnd Capacity instrument has moderate to good test-retest reliability. It is a simple and objective instrument to assess task-oriented strength in children with unilateral cerebral palsy. ARTICLE HISTORY

Construct Validity of a Task-Oriented Bimanual and Unimanual Strength Measurement in Children With Unilateral Cerebral Palsy

“…In a previous study, the peak force measurement of the crate task showed high test–retest reliability for children and youth with UCP (n = 105; intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.955 [6–12 years], ICC = 0.846 [13–18 years]). 12 Peak force measurement of the pitcher task performed with the NAH also showed high test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.902 [6–12 years], ICC = 0.853 [13–18 years]), while for the AH the pitcher task showed moderate test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.586 [6–12 years], ICC = 0.742 [13–18 years]). 12 …”

“…As no measure was available to measure task-oriented upper limb strength, we recently developed a measure based on this specific concept: Task-oriented Arm hAnd Capacity (TAAC) instrument. 12 The TAAC measures peak force while the child performs an ADL task. Information about the strength while performing an ADL task allows the therapist to make an adequate analysis about the quality and success of the performance of an ADL task.…”

“…In a previous study, the TAAC demonstrated moderate to good test–retest reliability. 12 Another important aspect in the development of new instruments is construct validity. In this study, cross-sectional construct validity of 2 grasp and lift tasks are investigated.…”

“…We previously investigated test–retest reliability of peak force measurements of bimanual crate and unimanual pitcher tasks of the TAAC in children with UCP. 12 Results showed high test–retest reliability for the crate and pitcher task with the non-affected hand (NAH) and a moderate test–retest reliability for the pitcher task with the affected hand (AH). 12 In the current study, aspects of construct validity of the peak force measurement of the crate and pitcher task of the TAAC are investigated according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines.…”

“… 12 Results showed high test–retest reliability for the crate and pitcher task with the non-affected hand (NAH) and a moderate test–retest reliability for the pitcher task with the affected hand (AH). 12 In the current study, aspects of construct validity of the peak force measurement of the crate and pitcher task of the TAAC are investigated according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines. 16 Outcomes of the TAAC are compared with outcomes of other measures selected for this purpose.…”