Aspects of activities and participation of 7-8 year-old children with an obstetric brachial plexus injury

Abstract

Background: Children with an obstetric brachial plexus injury (OBPI) can experience problems in the performance of meaningful activities such as writing, bimanual activities, and participation in sports and leisure activities.

Aims: To quantify the everyday functioning and participation of 7-8 year-old children with an OBPI, with special emphasis on writing, and to investigate associated characteristics.

Methods: Parents of children with an OBPI were sent a self-report questionnaire regarding the school performance, writing abilities, bimanual hand use, and participation in sports and leisure activities of their child, assessed with the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS sub-scale writing), the ABILHAND-kids, and the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE). Furthermore, questions were asked about socio-demographic variables, medical history, pain, and the use of assistive devices.

Results: Fifty three questionnaires were filled in (response 61%). According to the parents, 66% of their children were almost completely recovered, and 58% had a near normal arm function. Most of the children preferred to use their non-involved hand. More than 45% of the children complained about pain, and 39.6% had difficulties with writing, which resulted in a mean developmental delay of 8 months on the VABS sub-scale. Children with writing problems significantly more often had neurosurgery, were living with a single parent, more often received assistance at school, and had a significantly lower ABILHAND-kids score, compared to children with no writing problems.

Conclusions: Large percentages of 7-8 year-old children with an OBPI experience difficulties with writing and have musculoskeletal pain. Restrictions in participation were less pronounced.