Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the relation of Active Movement Scale (AMS) with functional assessments and investigate if it is an indicator of functional outcomes in children with obstetrical brachial plexus paralysis (OBPP).
Methods: Sixty-four children with Erb’s Palsy (8,98±2,31 years) were assessed with AMS. Grip and pinch strength measurements were done and hand dexterity was measured with 9 hole peg test. For stating functional status, WeeFIM Activities of Daily Living scale and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) were used.
Results: Elbow, forearm and wrist movement graded by AMS were mostly related with hand strength (p<0,05). WeeFIM and PEDI were correlated with shoulder external rotation, elbow flexion, forearm supination and wrist movements which are the mostly used joint movements in daily living (p<0,05). It was remarkable that tripod strength and WeeFIM were the best measures explaining AMS according to regression studies.
Conclusion: Our study showed that AMS may contribute to assess functioning, besides testing the range of motion in OBPP.
Key words: Brachial plexus neuropathies, obstetrical paralysis, active movement scale, function