OBJECTIVE

To analyze the effectiveness of organizational-functional model for complex rehabilitation of children requiring upper limb replacement for congenital diseases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analyzed data on 37 children who received active upper limb prosthesis and underwent rehabilitation in accordance with a previously developed model. Hand movements in children undergoing prosthetic rehabilitation were assessed using the validated 9 pegs test. Additionally, we assessed functional abilities of hands and use of prosthesis through survey of legal representatives of children who underwent rehabilitation in organizational experiment (main group, n=37) and did not undergo rehabilitation after replacement (control group, n=52).

RESULTS

Rehabilitation significantly reduced the time of 9 pegs test (Student’s t test for dependent samples 7.8, p<0.001). The number of peg falls decreased (t=8.7, p<0.001). Children after rehabilitation had more stable pattern of prosthesis use. They used the prosthesis significantly more often on the whole (χ²=10.110, p=0.018) and in social activities (χ²=13.764, p=0.002). Children were more proactive (χ²=7.545, p=0.023), and questions following adaptation to prosthesis were less common (χ²=11.020, p<0.001). Younger (t=3.3, p<0.01) and older children (t=2.8, p<0.01) more frequently used both hands in activities if rehabilitation took place. Children without rehabilitation were more likely to seek help (t=2.5, p<0.05), and older children were more likely to use one hand as well (t=2.1, p<0.05). Hand functionality in young children was higher in the main group (t=2.7, p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The developed organizational-functional model for complex rehabilitation of children requiring upper limb replacement for congenital diseases is effective.