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Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the construct validity of the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST) in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Method: A total of 170 QUEST assessments from a convenience sample of 94 children with CP involved in clinical and research treatment programmes (54 males, 40 females; mean age 6y 10mo, SD 2y 11mo, range 2-16y; Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I-V) were reviewed. Results: The QUEST was not unidimensional; many items demonstrated poor fit when total scores were analysed; goodness of fit improved when domains were considered independently and limbs separately examined. QUEST items involving elbow flexion and/or forearm in pronation were easily achieved, thus reducing test sensitivity. Postures items in the grasp domain behaved erratically, with little total score relationship. Interpretation: Calculating total scores is discouraged. Reporting QUEST results separately for domains and each limb is recommended. Posture items in the grasp domain had little relationship with total scores and it is recommended that they be removed from the test. (Contains 3 tables and 1 figure.)

Aim: To investigate reliability of the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST) scores for children with cerebral palsy (CP) aged 2-12 years. Method: Thirty-one QUESTs from 24 children with CP were rated once by two raters and twice by one rater. Internal consistency of total scores, inter- and intra-rater reliability findings for total, domain, and item scores were calculated. Results: Total scores inter-rater reliability, Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was 0.86, and for intra-rater reliability, ICC was 0.96. Domains had high reliability (ICC greater than 0.80) within raters and between raters except for "grasp" (moderate at ICC = 0.67). Item inter-rater reliability was moderate or better for 80% of items; item intra-rater reliability was moderate or better for 87% of items. Total score internal consistency was high ([alpha] = 0.97). Implications: The QUEST has proven reliability for children with CP aged 18 months to 8 years. This study demonstrates strong reliability for children aged 2-12 years. (Contains 4 tables.)

Aim: To provide recommendations for interventions to improve physical function for children and young people with cerebral palsy. Method: An expert panel prioritized questions and patient‐important outcomes. Using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methods, the panel assessed the certainty of evidence and made recommendations, with international expert and consumer consultation. Results: The guideline comprises 13 recommendations (informed by three systematic reviews, 30 randomized trials, and five before–after studies). To achieve functional goals, it is recommended that intervention includes client‐chosen goals, whole‐task practice within real‐life settings, support to empower families, and a team approach. Age, ability, and child/family preferences need to be considered. To improve walking ability, overground walking is recommended and can be supplemented with treadmill training. Various approaches can facilitate hand use goals: bimanual therapy, constraint‐induced movement therapy, goal‐directed training, and cognitive approaches. For self‐care, whole‐task practice combined with assistive devices can increase independence and reduce caregiver burden. Participation in leisure goals can combine whole‐task practice with strategies to address environmental, personal, and social barriers. Interpretation: Intervention to improve function for children and young people with cerebral palsy needs to include client‐chosen goals and whole‐task practice of goals. Clinicians should consider child/family preferences, age, and ability when selecting specific interventions. This clinical practice guide is commented by Saloojee on page 530 of this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Children with cerebral palsy (CP) whom are non-ambulant are at risk of reduced quality of life and poor health status. Severe spasticity leads to discomfort and pain. Carer burden for families is significant. This study aims to determine whether intramuscular injections of botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) combined with a regime of standard therapy has a positive effect on care and comfort for children with CP whom are non-ambulant (GMFCS IV/V), compared with standard therapy alone (cycle I), and whether repeated injections with the same regime of adjunctive therapy results in greater benefits compared with a single injecting episode (cycle II). The regime of therapy will include serial casting, splinting and/or provision of orthoses, as indicated, combined with four sessions of goal directed occupational therapy or physiotherapy. Method/design This study is a double blind randomized controlled trial. Forty participants will be recruited. In cycle I, participants will be randomized to either a treatment group who will receive BoNT-A injections into selected upper and/or lower limb muscles, or a control group who will undergo sham injections. Both groups will receive occupational therapy and /or physiotherapy following injections. Groups will be assessed at baseline then compared at 4 and 16 weeks following injections or sham control. Parents, treating clinicians and assessors will be masked to group allocation. In cycle II, all participants will undergo intramuscular BoNT-A injections to selected upper and/or lower limb muscles, followed by therapy. The primary outcome measure will be change in parent ratings in identified areas of concern for their child’s care and comfort, using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Secondary measures will include the Care and Comfort Hypertonicity Scale (ease of care), the Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life Questionnaire (CP QoL–Child) (quality of life), the Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities Questionnaire (CPCHILD©) (health status) and the Paediatric Pain Profile (PPP) (pain). Adverse events will be carefully monitored by a clinician masked to group allocation. Discussion This paper outlines the theoretical basis, study hypotheses and outcome measures for a trial of BoNT-A injections and therapy for children with non-ambulant CP. Trial registration Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry:N12609000360213

Aim: To investigate reliability of the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST) scores for children with cerebral palsy (CP) aged 2-12 years. Method: Thirty-one QUESTs from 24 children with CP were rated once by two raters and twice by one rater. Internal consistency of total scores, inter- and intra-rater reliability findings for total, domain, and item scores were calculated. Results: Total scores inter-rater reliability, Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was 0.86, and for intra-rater reliability, ICC was 0.96. Domains had high reliability (ICC > 0.80) within raters and between raters except for grasp (moderate at ICC == 0.67). Item inter-rater reliability was moderate or better for 80%% of items; item intra-rater reliability was moderate or better for 87%% of items. Total score internal consistency was high (α == 0.97). Implications: The QUEST has proven reliability for children with CP aged 18 months to 8 years. This study demonstrates strong reliability for children aged 2-12 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is commented on by Day on page 159 of this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]