Research Article  |   November 2015
Occupational Therapists’ Opinions of Two Pediatric Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Protocols
Emily Christman; Kaitlin McAllister; Katie Claar; Samantha Kaufman; Stephen J. Page
Author Affiliations
  • Emily Christman, MOT, OTR/L; Kaitlin McAllister, MOT, OTR/L; Katie Claar, MOT, OTR/L; and Samantha Kaufman, MOT, OTR/L, were Students, Department of Occupational Therapy, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, at the time of the study
  • Stephen J. Page, PhD, MS, OTR/L, FAHA, FACRM, is Associate Professor, Division of Occupational Therapy, and Director of the B.R.A.I.N. Laboratory (Better Rehabilitation and Assessment for Improved Neuro-recovery), The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus; Stephen.Page@osumc.edu
Article Information
Pediatric Evaluation and Intervention / Professional Issues
Research Article   |   November 2015
Occupational Therapists’ Opinions of Two Pediatric Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Protocols
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, November 2015, Vol. 69, 6906180020p1-6906180020p7. doi:10.5014/ajot.2015.019042
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, November 2015, Vol. 69, 6906180020p1-6906180020p7. doi:10.5014/ajot.2015.019042
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. We sought to determine occupational therapists’ opinions of two pediatric constraint-induced movement therapy (pCIMT) protocols.

METHOD. A total of 272 therapists in pediatric rehabilitation clinics completed an electronic survey to determine their opinions of two published pCIMT protocols. In Protocol A, restraint is worn 24 hr/day on the nonparetic upper extremity (UE), and in-clinic, therapist-supervised practice sessions occur 7 days/wk for 6 hr/day over 3 wk. In Protocol B, restraint is worn 2 hr/day on the nonparetic UE, and in-clinic, therapist-supervised practice sessions occur 1 day/wk for 2 hr/day over 8 wk.

RESULTS. The majority of participants reported moderate to high concerns about every facet of Protocol A. Conversely, >50% of participants reported low or no concerns about five of seven facets of Protocol B.

CONCLUSION. This study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that therapists strongly prefer low-duration pCIMT protocols.