Development of a clinical framework for the assessment of dyskinesia and function in the upper limb in children with cerebral palsy

Objective
Dyskinesia in cerebral palsy (CP) is a complex movement disorder that can significantly impact upper limb function. Despite a range of available tools, there is no consensus on best practice assessment of upper limb function in children with CP and dyskinesia. This study aimed to develop a clinical framework for the assessment of the impact of dyskinesia on upper limb function in children with CP.

Design
Modified Delphi study using expert consensus.

Methods
An expert panel of six highly experienced Australian therapists ranked assessment tools sourced from existing evidence-based literature using a five-point Likert scale. Tools rated as important for use “most” or “all” of the time, by 80% of respondents were accepted into the framework following two survey rounds and a third stage discussion.

Results
Of 21 tools, 12 were included in the framework under five categories: (i) screening for dyskinesia; (ii) measuring the severity of dyskinesia; (iii) Classifying upper limb functional ability; (iv) measuring upper limb functional ability; and (v) measuring upper limb movement.

Conclusions
The framework for assessing the impact of dyskinesia on upper limb function in CP aims to guide clinicians to improve assessment consistency and facilitate individualized goal-directed management. Further studies with a larger number of expert clinicians and researchers will further strengthen the utility of the framework.