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Research Article  |   May 2008
Case Report: ICF-Level Changes in a Preschooler After Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy
Anna Martin; Patricia A. Burtner; Janet Poole; John Phillips
Author Affiliations
  • Anna Martin, MOT, OTR/L, is Staff Occupational Therapist, Westford House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Norwood, MA. At the time of this study, she was Graduate Student, Occupational Therapy Graduate Program, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
  • Patricia A. Burtner, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Associate Professor in the Occupational Therapy Graduate Program, MSC09 5240, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131–0001; pburtner@unm.edu
  • Janet Poole, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy Graduate Program, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
  • John Phillips, MD, is Medical Director of the MIND Institute and Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
Article Information
Hand and Upper Extremity / Health and Wellness / Musculoskeletal Impairments / Rehabilitation, Participation, and Disability / School-Based Practice / Children and Youth
Research Article   |   May 2008
Case Report: ICF-Level Changes in a Preschooler After Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, May/June 2008, Vol. 62, 282-288. doi:10.5014/ajot.62.3.282
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, May/June 2008, Vol. 62, 282-288. doi:10.5014/ajot.62.3.282
Abstract

The authors examined changes associated with constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) provided to a preschool-aged child with right spastic hemiplegia. This case study design used a 2-week pretest measure baseline period, 2 weeks of CIMT, and postmeasures at 1 week and 3 months. Measures were chosen to document changes at the different levels of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), including the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) Self-Care Section, Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Upper Limb Function, and grip and pinch strength. Results showed increases on COPM-identified goals of increased independence with bilateral hand play and participation in gross motor play with friends. Changes were also documented in self-care, arm function, and grip strength. Another unexpected association reported by parents and professionals was increased speech intelligibility. Potential implications of implementing CIMT with young children are presented.