Occupational Therapy ETDs

Publication Date

2-9-2010

Abstract

Purpose. Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) involves use of a constraint on the non-affected extremity and intensive therapy comprised of shaping and repetition during functional activities to improve quality and quantity of use of the affected extremity. The literature has shown that CIMT is effective and two articles support the use of 2 doses of CIMT. The current study investigated if 3 doses of CIMT over 5 years continued to produce improvements in functional use for a boy with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Methods. One child, with spastic hemiplegic CP, met inclusion criteria of a minimum of 20° of active wrist extension and 10° of active finger extension in the hemiplegic hand. Grip strength, pinch strength, modified Nine Hole Peg Test, Box and Blocks, Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory, Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Upper Limb Function, and the modified House Functional Classification System were conducted pre-,during, post-, and 3 months post-intervention. The child wore a bivalve cast during waking hours and participated in 4 hours of therapy 5 days/week for 2 weeks. Results. Improvements in strength, functional use, and participation were seen across all three doses. There were no significant changes in mobility or social skills following any of the doses. Conclusions. This study supports the use of CIMT for up to 3 doses during childhood. More research needs to be conducted to determine the optimal length, intensity, and frequency of doses; optimal time in the child's development; optimal impairment levels; and if CIMT is best used alone or in conjunction with other protocols.

Degree Name

Occupational Therapy

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Occupational Therapy Graduate Program

First Committee Member (Chair)

Phillips, John

Second Committee Member

Keenan, Kristina

Third Committee Member

Crowe, Terry K.

Language

English

Keywords

Constraint-induced movement therapy--Case studies, Constraint-induced movement therapy--Longitudinal studies, Cerebral palsied children--Rehabilitation--Case studies, Cerebral palsied children--Rehabilitation--Longitudinal studies.

Document Type

Thesis

Download

Share

COinS