A preliminary study toward developing a paediatric prehension classification and outcome measurement for upper limb deficiencies

ABSTRACT
Background and Purpose
This paper presents the first detailed taxonomy for paediatric prehension classification and identifies
prevalent grasp instances to contrast objective reference data within child and adult populations.
Method
An observational study was undertaken with six healthy children between 6-10 years of age. Children were filmed completing three upper limb tasks via a head-camera and stand-alone camera. Video data was analysed alongside quantifiable descriptors to obtain both prevalence and breadth of grasp instances.
Results
The taxonomy developed represents the continuum of prehension patterns, alongside an observational account of the forces contributing to the grasps.
Conclusion
This preliminary study has resulted in the development of a detailed taxonomy of paediatric prehension. Further study with a larger, more heterogeneous, group of children is now needed so at the clinical utility of this study can be realised, potentially contributing to the development of paediatric upper limb outcome measures and rehabilitation protocols.