Upper Extremity Strengthening for an Individual With Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy: A Case Report.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this case is to describe an exercise program designed for an individual with athetoid cerebral palsy who had difficulties with fine motor control and shoulder girdle stability.

SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS: ET is a 19-year-old man with dyskinetic-type cerebral palsy with rapidly fluctuating muscle tone and movements that preclude trunk and extremity control necessary for the effective performance of functional activities. The participant underwent a 6-week intense physical therapy program aimed at strength and stability at the shoulder girdle and fine motor movements of the hand.

CONCLUSIONS

ET had improvements on the Performance of Upper Limb Scale, myometry, and from family report after 6 weeks.

RECOMMENDATIONS: A progressive exercise program aimed at improving proximal stability and fine motor function might be an appropriate intervention for persons with athetoid cerebral palsy.

VIDEO ABSTRACT: For more insights from the authors, see Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/PPT/A315.