Fine Motor Skills in Pediatric Patients with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Introduction:

Pediatric patients with cerebral palsy present clinical characteristics in the upper limbs that generate alterations in fine motor skills and make it difficult to perform manual activities.

Objective:

To assess the effectiveness of occupational therapy in the development of fine motor skills for pediatric patients with cerebral palsy.

Methods:

A descriptive, longitudinal and retrospective study was carried out at the International Center for Neurological Restoration, from January to December 2019. The universe was 88 patients with neurological diseases, a sample of 31 between the ages of four to seven years was taken. The medical histories and occupational therapy records were reviewed and verified with the result of the external diagnosis, application of the neurorehabilitation treatment, and the initial and final evaluation. The Peabody Motor Development Scale (fine motor skills) was applied. To analyze the results, the percentage calculation and the non-parametric Wilcoxon Matched Pairs Test were used.

Results:

The male sex predominated in 58.1%, spastic type cerebral palsy in 45.2% and the permanence of two cycles, 56 days of treatment, in 100%. The age range between four and five years stood out at 74.2%. The final evaluation showed an average improvement value for the motor age of 14.3 months and a motor development coefficient of 97.9, normal.

Conclusions:

Occupational therapy favors the development of fine motor skills in pediatric patients with cerebral palsy, in relation to simple and complex manual skills.