Assessing physical activity and balance challenges in children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy


Gul B., GÜNEY YILMAZ G., AKEL B. S.

SOMATOSENSORY AND MOTOR RESEARCH, 2026 (SCI-Expanded)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1080/08990220.2026.2683795
  • Dergi Adı: SOMATOSENSORY AND MOTOR RESEARCH
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), BIOSIS, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Psycinfo, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection (EBSCO)
  • İstanbul Kültür Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Objective To evaluate physical activity and balance in children with OBPP (Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy) and investigate the relationship between these variables. Participants and Setting The study included 58 children with OBPP and 58 healthy controls aged 7-12 years. Methods Physical activity was measured using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C). Dynamic balance was evaluated with the Y Balance Test (YBT), and static balance was assessed using the One-Leg Standing (OLS) test. Outcome measures included scores from these assessments and group comparisons. Results Children with OBPP showed significant deficits in dynamic balance, particularly in the posterolateral direction (p < 0.05), while static balance and physical activity levels did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05). Logistic regression identified the left posterolateral balance score as a significant positive predictor for group classification (p < 0.001). Conclusion Children with OBPP experience significant impairments in dynamic balance, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address postural control and lateral stability. Comprehensive assessments incorporating physical activity and balance measures are crucial for developing effective rehabilitation strategies.