Effect of touch screen tablet use on fine motor functions in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled trial

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Abd-Elfattah, Hanaa M.^a | Galal, Dina O. Shokri M.^b | Abdelmageed, Shaima M.^c | Aly, Sobhy M.^{d; e} | Ameen, Fairouz H.^f | Sayed, Asmaa O.^g | Abd-Elmonem, Amira M.^{g; *}

Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Therapy for Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Badr University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt | [b] Department of Physical Therapy for Orthopedic and Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Badr University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt | [c] Department of Physical Therapy for Neurology, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt | [d] Department of Biomechanics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt | [e] Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia | [f] Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Badr University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt | [g] Department of Physical Therapy for Pediatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Amira M. Abd-Elmonem, Department Physical Therapy for Pediatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, 7 Ahmed Alzayate St., Been Alsarayat, Giza 12662, Egypt. E-mail: amira.mahmoud@cu.edu.eg; ORCID ID: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5877-8339.

Abstract: BACKGROUND:Cerebral palsy is the most frequent condition affecting the central nervous system and causing large disability. OBJECTIVE:To determine the impact of touch screen tablet upon fine motor functions in children with hemiparesis. METHOD:This was a randomized controlled trial involving 60 children, ranging in age from 5 to 7 years old, randomized into two groups: intervention or control group (30 children per group). Both groups were given 12 consecutive weeks of designed fine motor tasks. Additionally, for thirty minutes, the intervention group was given a fine motor exercise program on a touch screen tablet. Upper limb function, finger dexterity and pinch strength were measured pre and post the recommended treatment program using the quality of upper extremity skill test (QUEST), Nine-Hole Peg Test and Jamar hydraulic pinch gauge, respectively. RESULTS:All outcome measures were equivalent between intervention groups at admission (P > 0.05). Significant improvements were found in all assessed variables within the two groups. Meanwhile, the intervention group had significantly higher improvements (P < 0.05) in finger dexterity, pinch strength, and upper limb function when compared with the control groups. CONCLUSION:Including a touch screen smart tablet application with a specially designed fine motor program is an effective method that helps children with U-CP perform more effectively with their fine motor skills.

Keywords: Cerebral palsy, hemiplegia, fine motor tasks, touch screen tablet, unilateral cerebral palsy

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-240134

Journal: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 137-146, 2024