Adult dyskinetic cerebral palsy: Upper limb movement and muscle function

Aim The aim of this study was to characterize upper limb motor function during a comparative analysis of electromyographic and upper limb movement analysis during drinking between healthy adults and individuals with DCP. Method Fifteen healthy individuals (CG) and fifteen individuals with DCP (DG) participated in the study. Upper limb function was analyzed during drinking and consisted of a task divided into three phases: the going, the adjustment, and the return. Results Electromyographic analysis revealed a lower activity of the anterior deltoid, posterior deltoid, and biceps brachii muscles in the DG. When comparing the interactions between groups and phases, only biceps brachii shower lower muscle activity during going and adjustment phases. The DG presented a smaller range of motion (ROM) for the shoulder, elbow, forearm and wrist movements. An interaction between groups and phases showed smaller ROM for the flexion and internal rotation of the shoulder, elbow flexion, forearm pronation, and ulnar deviation in the return phase compared to CG. Interpretation The results may contribute positively to the quantification of the level of motor impairment and may be used as a reference for the development of therapeutic interventions for patients with DCP.