Research Article  |   March 2013
Group Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy for Children With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study
Wen-Chi Wu; Jen-Wen Hung; Chiung-Yi Tseng; Yi-Ching Huang
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • Wen-Chi Wu, MA, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Department of Rehabilitation, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
  • Jen-Wen Hung, MD, is Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, 123 Dapi Road, Niaosong District, Kaohsiung City 833 Taiwan; hung0702@adm.cgmh.org.tw
  • Chiung-Yi Tseng, MD, is Physician, Department of Rehabilitation, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
  • Yi-Ching Huang, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Department of Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital–Chiayi, Chiayi, Taiwan
  • Wen-Chi Wu and Jen-Wen Hung contributed equally to this paper and should be considered as first authors
    Wen-Chi Wu and Jen-Wen Hung contributed equally to this paper and should be considered as first authors×
Article Information
Neurologic Conditions / Pediatric Evaluation and Intervention / Children and Youth
Research Article   |   March 2013
Group Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy for Children With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, March/April 2013, Vol. 67, 201-208. doi:10.5014/ajot.2013.004374
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, March/April 2013, Vol. 67, 201-208. doi:10.5014/ajot.2013.004374
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. We investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of group-based constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy in a clinical setting.

METHOD. Seven children received CIMT together under the guidance of two occupational therapy practitioners, 2.5 hr/day, 5 days/wk for 4 wk. We used the Grasping and Visual–Motor Integration subtests of the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales to assess the primary outcome and the Functional Skills and Caregiver Assistance Scales of the Pediatric Evaluation Disability Inventory to assess the secondary outcome. Children were examined at preintervention, postintervention, and 1- and 3-mo follow-up.

RESULTS. Children demonstrated significant improvement on all outcome measures after intervention (all ps < .05, effect sizes = .39–.84), and effects were maintained at 3-mo follow-up.

CONCLUSION. This preliminary study revealed that group-based CIMT for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy may be a feasible and effective alternative to individual CIMT in clinical practice.