Accuracy of Movement Speed and Error Detection Skills in Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

People with cerebral palsy (CP) usually have decreased ability to learn new movements and decreased movement speed. This study examined the ability of 10 adolescents with CP ( M age= 16.2 yr., SD = 1.9 yr.) to achieve a target speed on an upper extremity ballistic task and to detect speed errors in their movements, compared to the performance of 10 adolescents with no disability ( M age=15.7 yr., SD = 1.7 yr.). Subjects were instructed to slide a lever along a track in 150 msec, then guess their movement time. Knowledge of results feedback was provided on the first 50 trials except for Trials 11–20 on Day 1. Knowledge of results feedback was withheld on Day 2, Trials 51–60, to assess learning and retention of the skill. Speed Error and Error Detection were compared for two groups of adolescents on Trials 51–60. Independent t tests indicated a significant difference between the two groups for both Speed Error and Error Detection. Examination of individual scores of the adolescents with CP indicated that half scored within the range of the control group, and variability of skills within the group with CP was high. Some individuals with CP have deficits in accuracy of movement speed and error detection unrelated to their severity of CP which may affect their ability to learn new movements.