Which assessments are commonly used to evaluate hand function in unilateral CP?

Which assessments are commonly used to evaluate hand function in unilateral CP?

• A. Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test
• B. PEDI
• C. Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA) and Box and Block Test (BBT)
• D. GMFM

Answer: (C)

Focusing on how the affected hand functions in real tasks is essential for evaluating hand function in unilateral CP. The Assisting Hand Assessment measures the quality of how the affected hand is used during everyday bimanual activities, capturing how well the child uses the impaired hand to support or interact with the other hand. The Box and Block Test provides an objective, rapid measure of unilateral dexterity by counting how many blocks the affected hand can move in a minute, giving a clear sense of manual speed and control. Together, they cover both how the hand is actually used in functional tasks and how well it can manipulate objects on its own, which is exactly what clinicians need for unilateral CP hand function assessment. Other tests like Jebsen-Taylor assess general hand function but aren’t specific to bimanual use in unilateral CP; PEDI looks at broader functional skills and participation, not hand-specific function; GMFM focuses on gross motor abilities. Hence, pairing the Assisting Hand Assessment with the Box and Block Test is the most representative approach for hand function in unilateral CP.

Focusing on how the affected hand functions in real tasks is essential for evaluating hand function in unilateral CP. The Assisting Hand Assessment measures the quality of how the affected hand is used during everyday bimanual activities, capturing how well the child uses the impaired hand to support or interact with the other hand. The Box and Block Test provides an objective, rapid measure of unilateral dexterity by counting how many blocks the affected hand can move in a minute, giving a clear sense of manual speed and control. Together, they cover both how the hand is actually used in functional tasks and how well it can manipulate objects on its own, which is exactly what clinicians need for unilateral CP hand function assessment. Other tests like Jebsen-Taylor assess general hand function but aren’t specific to bimanual use in unilateral CP; PEDI looks at broader functional skills and participation, not hand-specific function; GMFM focuses on gross motor abilities. Hence, pairing the Assisting Hand Assessment with the Box and Block Test is the most representative approach for hand function in unilateral CP.