Selective Control Assessment in Cerebral Palsy (Lower Limbs) a Clinical Approach

Selective Control Assessment in Cerebral Palsy (Lower Limbs) A Clinical Approach

VIVIAN CHAN HELENA LI

S.R.P . M.H .K.P.A. S.R.P.

Summary Traditionally, assessment for cerebral palsy patients is often based on their ability to perform motor functions. It has been discovered, through clinical situations, that assessments of this type tends to underestimate the true abilities of the patient, and hence a new method of assessment is needed. The method proposed is to assess the selective joint control of individual joints, based on the reasoning that control ofjoints is the basis of movement, and purposeful movement is the basis of different functions . In this article, the method is used only for lower limbs. It is developed through the understanding that selective control of individual joints becomes easier if positions are altered to facilitate the movement. A chart is included for the purpose ofassessment.

Introduction Traditionally, the assessment of ability of a patient with a control problem is often done by assessing the quality and level of functional skills the patient demonstrates in the assessment (Levitt 1979) . This is often thought to be a true reflection of the ability and hence an indication of the potential as far as treatment is concerned . However, this is often to be the case in clinical situations. The ability displayed in functional skills is often influenced by factors such as: insufficient control over abnormal tone due to incorrect or poor treatment, lack of proper sensory-motor experience during development, presence of joint contractures and deformities, and associated handicaps etc. Therefore, the ability displayed is often not the true ability as limited by the severity of the brain lesion . In order to assess this true ability, a different approach is needed . As all functions are composed of movements and movements are build up from the control of different joints, as elaborated in this article, it is reasonable to presume that in...