Direct Replication: Relationship of Upper Extremity Weight Bearing to Hand Skills of Boys with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

The relationship between weight bearing on extended arms and the prehension development of 3 boys with spastic cerebral palsy was studied. The purpose of this study was to conduct a direct replication of a previous study by the same investigator in which a positive relationship between this treatment and the development of prehension abilities was observed. The results of this study, similar to those of the previous study, indicate a positive relationship between the treatment and prehension improvement for both arms of 2 subjects. The 3rd subject showed improvement in one arm; however, the results pertaining to the other arm were inconclusive. Additional systematic replication is warranted to determine whether this technique can be generalized to other therapists, clients, and settings.

Keywords

cerebral palsy hand function occupational therapy

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