The aim of this study is an evaluation of the results of The Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), and muscle strength examination measured by dynamometer in children with cerebral palsy. We examined 51 patients with cerebral palsy in the age ranging from 8 years to 26 years (average age 17.3 ± 4.2) living in the Home for Handicapped Children and Young Adults, Kociánka, Brno. The group consisted of 28 girls and 23 boys. Maximum handgrip was measured by a hand dynamometer in both upper extremities. After the examination by a physiotherapist the patients were categorised according to their gross motor skills using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and fine motor skills using the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS). Muscle strength in the better hand in the whole group ranged from 34 to 442 N (average 235.8 ± 85.9), in the other hand from 5 to 376 N (average 66.7 ± 66.2). The results show a weak correlation between the muscle strength of the handgrip and MACS, but it is statistically significant (R= 0.342; p < 0.05), correlation between the muscle strength of the handgrip and GMFCS does not exist.

Home for Handicapped Children and Young Adults Kociánka Brno

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