Neurophysiological Response of Adults with Cerebral Palsy during Inclusive Dance with Wheelchair.

A total of 16 adults with cerebral palsy (age = 37.50 (7.78)) participated in this cross-sectional study. The electroencephalographic (EEG) data were recorded under three conditions: (1) baseline; (2) while listening to music; (3) while performing inclusive dance choreography with wheelchair. EEG data was banded into theta (4-7 Hz), alpha (8-12 Hz), and beta (13-30 Hz). Significantly higher values of theta, alpha, and beta bands were found in dance conditions than in the baseline. Significant differences between baseline and listening to music conditions were not found in any of the power spectrum bands. Differences between listening to music conditions and inclusive dance with wheelchair were observed in theta and beta power spectrum band studies in the F4 electrode. Inclusive dance with wheelchair increases theta, alpha, and beta power spectra when compared to baseline. In addition, the beta power spectrum is greater only during inclusive dance conditions, which could be modulated by emotions. However, future studies should corroborate this hypothesis.

Reliability and agreement of the Nine Hole Peg Test in patients with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy.

Upper extremity involvement is one of the most common motor impairments in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP). One tool for the assessment of manual function in CP is the Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT). However, the reliability of the NHPT in patients with unilateral CP is unknown. This study aimed to analyze the intra-rater inter-session reliability of the NHPT in unilateral spastic CP, for its use in clinical practice and research. A total of 27 participants with spastic unilateral CP were included. Reliability was verified by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement, and minimum detectable change. The agreement was analyzed by the Bland-Altman method. An excellent intra-rater reliability was observed for the non-affected side (ICC = 0.94) and the affected side (ICC = 0.96). The minimal detectable change was 4 and 12 s for the non-affected and affected side, respectively. There were no significant biases between repetitions.   Conclusions: The NHPT showed excellent intra-rater inter-session reliability in patients with spastic unilateral CP. In addition, the test shows adequate agreement and proportionally small errors to assess manual dexterity. What is Known: • The Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT) is widely used to assess dexterity in patients with neurological conditions. • The NHPT has demonstrated appropriate measurement properties in healthy children and adults with neurological conditions. What is New: • The NHPT presents excellent reliability, small measurement errors, and adequate agreement for the assessment of patients with cerebral palsy. • The measurement error of the NHPT in unilateral cerebral palsy may be up to 13% of the total time to perform it.