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Menevşe Ö, Kepenek-Varol B, Gültekin M, Bilgin S. Cervical proprioception in Parkinson's disease and its correlation with manual dexterity function. J Mov Disord 2023; 16:295-306. [PMID: 37394236 PMCID: PMC10548074 DOI: 10.14802/jmd.23039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cervical proprioception plays a crucial role in posture and movement control. This study aimed to determine the relationships of cervical proprioception, cervical muscle strength and endurance with manual dexterity and hand strength in individuals with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS Twenty individuals with PD (mean age: 63.9 years) and 20 healthy individuals as a control group (mean age: 61.9 years) were recruited. Cervical joint position error (JPE), static endurance of neck muscles, activation of deep cervical flexor muscles (Craniocervical Flexion Test, CCFT), manual dexterity (Purdue Pegboard Test, PPT), cognitive and motor tasks of the PPT, finger tapping test (FTT), pinch strength, and grip strength were assessed. RESULTS Cervical JPE was significantly higher in individuals with PD than in controls (p < 0.05). The strength and endurance of the cervical muscles were significantly decreased in individuals with PD (p < 0.05). Cervical JPE measurements were negatively correlated with PPT, cognitive and motor tasks of the PPT in individuals with PD (all p < 0.05). The endurance of cervical flexor muscles was negatively correlated with PPT and cognitive PPT scores in the PD group (p < 0.05). In addition, a significant positive correlation was found between cervical flexor endurance and hand strength in the PD group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Cervical proprioception and the strength and endurance of cervical muscles decrease in individuals with PD compared to healthy individuals. Impairment of cervical proprioception appears to be associated with poorer upper extremity performance. Detailed evaluation of the cervical region in PD may help determine the factors affecting upper extremity function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özlem Menevşe
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nuh Naci Yazgan University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Büşra Kepenek-Varol
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nuh Naci Yazgan University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Murat Gültekin
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul Atlas University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Sevil Bilgin
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Yigit S, Usgu S, Albayrak HM, Yücel PP, Yakut Y. Effectiveness of functional trunk training on trunk control and upper limb functions in patients with autosomal recessive hereditary ataxia. NeuroRehabilitation 2022; 51:41-50. [DOI: 10.3233/nre-210320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Ataxia is a clinical syndrome characterized by coordination problems and postural disorders. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the effects of functional trunk training on trunk control and upper limb functions in autosomal recessive hereditary ataxia. METHODS: Twenty patients were randomly divided into treatment and control groups. Both groups received trunk stabilization and balance exercises, and the treatment group received additional functional trunk training sessions (3 days/week for 8 weeks). The International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale, Trunk Impairment Scale, Modified Functional Reach Test, Nine-Hole Peg Test and Quick-Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand questionnaire were used for assessments. RESULTS: The treatment group showed an increase in the upper limb performance bilaterally, whereas increased performance was seen only in the dominant upper limb in the control group. While the functional reach improved in the anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) directions in the treatment group, it was improved only in the AP direction in the control group. Also, the mean changes in outcomes were not significantly different between the groups except for modified functional reach test. CONCLUSIONS: Functional trunk training may be a more effective method to improve upper limb performance and dynamic trunk balance in autosomal recessive hereditary ataxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedat Yigit
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Health Science Faculty, Hasan Kalyoncu University, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Serkan Usgu
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Health Science Faculty, Hasan Kalyoncu University, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Hatice Mutlu Albayrak
- Department of Pediatric Genetics, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital- Children’s Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Peren Perk Yücel
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Yavuz Yakut
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Health Science Faculty, Hasan Kalyoncu University, Gaziantep, Turkey
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Presperin Pedersen J, Smith C, Dahlin M, Henry M, Jones J, McKenzie K, Sevigny M, Yingling L. Wheelchair backs that support the spinal curves: Assessing postural and functional changes. J Spinal Cord Med 2022; 45:194-203. [PMID: 32406808 PMCID: PMC8986246 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2020.1760530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To compare outcomes using a wheelchair back designed to support the natural seated spinal curves versus an upholstered back that promotes posterior pelvic tilt and thoracolumbar kyphosis.Design: Cross-over intervention.Setting: Two free-standing spinal cord injury (SCI) model system hospitals.Participants: Fifty adults with motor complete SCI C6-T4, between the ages of 18-60 years who use a manual wheelchair for mobility were recruited from a convenience sample.Intervention: Each participant's wheelchair back support was removed and replaced by an upholstered back and a solid back in randomized order. Postural and functional outcomes, pain, and satisfaction were evaluated using each back.Outcome measures: Seated postural measurements included pelvic angle, spinal angle of kyphosis and linear measurement of spine. Functional outcomes included vertical forward reach, one stroke push, timed forward wheeling, ramp ascent and descent. Numerical pain rating and a satisfaction survey provided input pertaining to both backs.Results: The solid back demonstrated significance in seated postural measurements. Participants using the solid back trended to higher scores in functional outcome measures including vertical forward reach, one stroke push and timed ramp ascent. Participants reported increased satisfaction with comfort and stability with the solid back.Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrated that a wheelchair back, which supports the seated spinal curves improves upright posture, functional reach, and wheelchair propulsion skills. Further research is necessary to demonstrate statistical findings as well as to assess back height and lateral support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Presperin Pedersen
- Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA,Correspondence to: Jessica Presperin Pedersen, Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 355 E. Erie St., Chicago, IL60611, USA; Ph: 773-805-8968.
| | | | | | - Molly Henry
- Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Kelly McKenzie
- Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Lindsey Yingling
- Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Exploring whole-body kinematics when eating real foods with the dominant hand in healthy adults. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259184. [PMID: 34710151 PMCID: PMC8553040 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the importance of eating movements to the rehabilitation of neurological patients, information regarding the normal kinematics of eating in a realistic setting is limited. We aimed to quantify whole-body three-dimensional kinematics among healthy individuals by assessing movement patterns in defined phases while eating real food with the dominant hand in a seated position. Our cross-sectional study included 45 healthy, right-hand dominant individuals with a mean age of 27.3 ± 5.1 years. Whole-body kinematics (joint angles of the upper limb, hip, neck, and trunk) were captured using an inertial sensor motion system. The eating motion was divided into four phases for analysis: reaching, spooning, transport, and mouth. The mean joint angles were compared among the phases with Friedman's analysis of variance. The maximum angles through all eating phases were 129.0° of elbow flexion, 32.4° of wrist extension, 50.4° of hip flexion, 6.8° of hip abduction, and 0.2° of hip rotation. The mean shoulder, elbow, and hip joint flexion angles were largest in the mouth phase, with the smallest being the neck flexion angle. By contrast, in the spooning phase, the shoulder, elbow, and hip flexion were the smallest, with the largest being the neck flexion angle. These angles were significantly different between the mouth and spooning phases (p < 0.008, Bonferroni post hoc correction). Our results revealed that characteristic whole-body movements correspond to each phase of realistic eating in healthy individuals. This study provides useful kinematic data regarding normal eating movements, which may inform whole-body positioning and movement, improve the assessment of eating abilities in clinical settings, and provide a basis for future studies.
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Wee SK, Hughes AM, Warner MB, Burridge JH. Longitudinal analysis of the recovery of trunk control and upper extremity following stroke: An individual growth curve approach. Top Stroke Rehabil 2021; 29:58-73. [PMID: 33523777 DOI: 10.1080/10749357.2021.1878333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Trunk control is thought to contribute to upper extremity function. It is unclear whether recovery of trunk control has an impact on the recovery of the upper extremity in people with stroke. This longitudinal study monitored the recovery of trunk control and upper extremity in the first 6 months following stroke.Methods: Forty-five participants with stroke were assessed monthly for 6 months following stroke. Trunk control was assessed using the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS); upper extremity impairment and function were assessed with the Fugl-Meyer (FMA) and Streamlined Wolf Motor Function Test (SWMFT) respectively. The SWMFT included the performance time (SWMFT-Time) and functional ability scale (SWMFT-FAS). The individual growth curve modeling was used to analyze the longitudinal data.Results: The recovery curve of TIS, FMA, SWMFT-Time and SWMFT-FAS followed a quadratic trend, with the rate of recovery decreasing from the first to sixth month. As TIS score improved over time, FMA, SWMFT-Time and SWMFT-FAS improved in parallel with the TIS score. TIS at each time point was found to be a significant predictor of FMA, SWMFT-Time and SWMFT-FAS at 6 months post stroke.Conclusion: Our work has provided, for the first time, substantial evidence that the pattern of recovery of trunk control is similar to that of the recovery of upper extremity following stroke. In addition, this study provides evidence on which to design a prospective study to evaluate whether improvement in trunk control early post-stroke results in better long-term upper extremity function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seng Kwee Wee
- Rehabilitation and Health Technologies Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,Centre for Advanced Rehabilitation Therapeutics (CART), Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ann-Marie Hughes
- Rehabilitation and Health Technologies Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Martin B Warner
- Rehabilitation and Health Technologies Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jane H Burridge
- Rehabilitation and Health Technologies Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Bulut N, Alemdaroğlu-Gürbüz I, Topaloğlu H, Yılmaz Ö, Karaduman A. The association between trunk control and upper limb functions of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Physiother Theory Pract 2020; 38:46-54. [DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2020.1723151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Numan Bulut
- Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Altındağ, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ipek Alemdaroğlu-Gürbüz
- Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Altındağ, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Haluk Topaloğlu
- Faculty of Medicine, İhsan Doğramacı Children Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Department, Hacettepe University, Altındağ, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Öznur Yılmaz
- Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Altındağ, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Karaduman
- Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Altındağ, Ankara, Turkey
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Forsyth AL, Joshi RY, Canning CG, Allen NE, Paul SS. Flexed Posture in Parkinson Disease: Associations With Nonmotor Impairments and Activity Limitations. Phys Ther 2019; 99:893-903. [PMID: 30830153 DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzz033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with Parkinson disease (PD) are twice as likely to develop flexed truncal posture as the general older population. Little is known about the mechanisms responsible beyond associations with age, axial motor impairments, and disease severity. OBJECTIVE The objective was to explore: (1) the associations of the nonmotor impairments of PD with flexed posture, and (2) the relationships of flexed posture with activity limitations. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional study. METHODS Seventy people with PD participated. Posture was measured in standing as the distance between the seventh cervical vertebra and a wall. Nonmotor impairments (cognition, depression, pain, fatigue, and proprioception) and activity performance (upper limb activity, bed transfers, respiratory function, and speech volume) were variously assessed using objective measures and self-report questionnaires. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to ascertain relationships between nonmotor impairments and truncal posture, and between truncal posture and activities. RESULTS Greater disease severity, greater axial impairment, poorer spinal proprioception, greater postural fatigue, and male sex were significantly associated with flexed truncal posture. The multivariate model containing these factors in addition to age explained 30% of the variability in flexed truncal posture, with male sex and axial motor impairment continuing to make independent contributions. A significant association was found between greater flexed truncal posture and poorer upper limb activity performance and respiratory function. LIMITATIONS A limitation to this study was that participants had mild-to-moderate disease severity. CONCLUSIONS Spinal proprioception and postural fatigue were the only nonmotor impairments to make significant contributions to flexed posture. Given the negative influence of flexed posture on upper limb activity and respiratory function, interventions targeting spinal proprioception and postural awareness should be considered for people with PD who might develop flexed posture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimi L Forsyth
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney; and Lady Davidson Private Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Riddhi Y Joshi
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Colleen G Canning
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Natalie E Allen
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Serene S Paul
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2141, Australia
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Alwardat M, Schirinzi T, Di Lazzaro G, Franco D, Sinibaldi Salimei P, Mercuri NB, Pisani A. The effect of postural deformities on back function and pain in patients with Parkinson’s disease. NeuroRehabilitation 2019; 44:419-424. [DOI: 10.3233/nre-182637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Alwardat
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Neuroscience PhD School, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Schirinzi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Di Lazzaro
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Franco
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Biagio Mercuri
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Neuroscience PhD School, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Pisani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Neuroscience PhD School, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
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Trunk control: The essence for upper limb functionality in patients with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2018; 24:101-106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2018.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Alwardat M, Di Lazzaro G, Schirinzi T, Sinibaldi Salime P, Mercuri NB, Pisani A. Does Pisa syndrome affect upper limb function in patients with Parkinson’s disease? An observational cross-sectional study. NeuroRehabilitation 2018; 42:143-148. [DOI: 10.3233/nre-172274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Alwardat
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Neuroscience PhD School, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Di Lazzaro
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Schirinzi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesú Children Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Biagio Mercuri
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Neuroscience PhD School, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Pisani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Neuroscience PhD School, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
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Effect of Trunk Support on Upper Extremity Function in People With Chronic Stroke and People Who Are Healthy. Phys Ther 2015; 95:1163-71. [PMID: 25721122 DOI: 10.2522/ptj.20140487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trunk control is thought to contribute to upper extremity (UE) function. However, this common assumption in neurorehabilitation has not been validated in clinical trials. OBJECTIVE The study objectives were to investigate the effect of providing external trunk support on trunk control and UE function and to examine the relationship between trunk control and UE function in people with chronic stroke and people who were healthy. DESIGN A cross-sectional study was conducted. METHODS Twenty-five people with chronic stroke and 34 people who were healthy and matched for age and sex were recruited. Trunk control was assessed with the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), and UE impairment and UE function were assessed with the UE subsection of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA-UE) and the Streamlined Wolf Motor Function Test (SWMFT), respectively. The TIS and SWMFT were evaluated, with and without external trunk support; the FMA-UE was evaluated without trunk support. RESULTS With trunk support, people with stroke showed improvement from 18 to 20 points on the TIS, a reduction in SWMFT performance times from 37.20 seconds to 35.37 seconds for the affected UE, and improvement from 3.3 points to 3.4 points on the SWMFT Functional Ability Scale for the function of the affected UE. With trunk support, the SWMFT performance time for people who were healthy was reduced from 1.61 seconds to 1.48 seconds for the dominant UE and from 1.71 seconds to 1.59 seconds for the nondominant UE. A significant moderate correlation was found between the TIS and the FMA-UE (r=.53) for people with stroke. LIMITATIONS The limitations included a nonmasked assessor and a standardized height of the external trunk support. CONCLUSIONS External trunk support improved trunk control in people with chronic stroke and had a statistically significant effect on UE function in both people with chronic stroke and people who were healthy. The findings suggest an association between trunk control and the UE when external trunk support was provided and support the hypothesis that lower trunk and lumbar stabilization provided by external support enables an improvement in the ability to use the UE for functional activities.
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Miyake Y, Kobayashi R, Kelepecz D, Nakajima M. Core exercises elevate trunk stability to facilitate skilled motor behavior of the upper extremities. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2013; 17:259-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2012.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2010] [Revised: 05/24/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Saavedra S, Karve SJ, Woollacott M, van Donkelaar P. Eye hand coordination in children with cerebral palsy. Exp Brain Res 2009; 192:155-65. [PMID: 18830589 PMCID: PMC2800126 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-008-1549-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2008] [Accepted: 08/11/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Reaching to grasp an object of interest requires complex sensorimotor coordination involving eye, head, hand and trunk. While numerous studies have demonstrated deficits in each of these systems individually, little is known about how children with cerebral palsy (CP) coordinate multiple motor systems for functional tasks. Here we used kinematics, remote eye tracking and a trunk support device to examine the functional coupling of the eye, head and hand and the extent to which it was constrained by trunk postural control in 10 children with CP (6-16 years). Eye movements in children with CP were similar to typically developing (TD) peers, while hand movements were significantly slower. Postural support influenced initiation of hand movements in the youngest children (TD & CP) and execution of hand movements in children with CP differentially depending on diagnosis. Across all diagnostic categories, the most robust distinction between TD children and children with CP was in their ability to isolate eye, head and hand movements. Results of this study suggest that deficits in motor coordination for accurate reaching in children with CP may reflect coupled eye, head, and hand movements. We have previously suggested that coupled activation of effectors may be the default output for the CNS during early development.
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