Article

The study aimed to establish whether the manual ability classification
system (MACS), a valid classification system for manual ability in children with
cerebral palsy (CP), is applicable in young adults with CP and normal
intelligence. SUBJECTS: The participants (n = 83) were young adults with CP and
normal intelligence and had a mean age of 19.9 years. METHOD: In this study,
inter observer reliability of the MACS was determined. We investigated
relationships between the MACS level and patient characteristics (such as the
gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) level, limb distribution of
the spastic paresis and educational level) and with functional activities of the
upper extremity (assessed with the Melbourne assessment, the Abilhand
questionnaire and the domain self-care of the functional independence measure
(FIM)). Furthermore, with a linear regression analysis it was determined whether
the MACS is a significant determinant of activity limitations and participation
restrictions. RESULTS: The reliability was good (intraclass correlation
coefficient 0.83). The Spearman correlation coefficients with GMFCS level, limb
distribution of the spastic paresis and educational level were 0.53, 0.46, and
0.26, respectively. MACS level correlated moderately with outcome measures of
functional activities (correlations ranging from -0.38 to -0.55). MACS level is,
in addition to the GMFCS level, an important determinant for limitations in
activities and restrictions in participation. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the
MACS is a feasible method to classify manual ability in young adults with CP and
normal intelligence with a good manual ability.

Langue : ANGLAIS