Pediatrics & Therapeutics
Open Access

Abstract

Hermansson LN, Sköld A, Eliasson AC (2013) Bimanual Hand-use in Children with Unilateral Hand Dysfunction–Differences Related to Diagnosis Investigated by the Children’s Hand-use Experience Questionnaire

Liselotte Norling Hermansson, Annika Sköld and Ann-Christin Eliasson

Introduction: Everyday activities assume the use of two hands; hence, unilateral hand dysfunction is commonly targeted for interventions. Purpose: To explore how the use of the affected hand is experienced in bimanual activities, and the influence of diagnosis on use and experience. Methods: The Children’s Hand-use Experience Questionnaire (CHEQ) was completed for 110 individuals aged 6–18 years diagnosed with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP), obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP), or upper limb reduction deficiency (ULRD) in a cross-sectional study. Results: The children experienced problems when performing the activities, with mean CHEQ experience scores (0–100) of: Time taken 66.9, Grasp efficacy 68.7, and Feeling bothered 68.7. Participants with unilateral CP had significantly lower scores on all scales. The ULRD group performed most activities and used both hands more than the unilateral CP or OBPP groups.  Conclusion: Unilateral dysfunction has differential impact on use and experience of the hand depending on diagnosis.