Improved Hand Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy with Repeat Doses of Augmented Pediatric-Constraint Induced Movement Therapy

Introduction: The aim is to further analyze the improved hand function and bimanual performance of children with cerebral palsy (CP) from repeat doses of an augmented, group-based pediatric CIMT (P-CIMT) camp. Participants/Methods: 11 children with CP (ages 5-15 years, 6M, 5F, MACS I=2, MACS II=8, and MACS III=1) participated in two sessions of an annual 10-day P-CIMT camp. Each participant wore a constraint for 50 hours, participated in bilateral activities for 10 hours and 30 minutes on the Hocoma Armeo®Spring. Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA) was conducted at the pre, post and 6- month follow-up to detect hand function changes. Results: Treatment 1 mean AHA score at baseline had a SD 55.93+-12.78 and post 66.53. Treatment 2 mean AHA score was 58.13 with SD +-12.8, and post 66.53. Conclusion: Overall, there was significant bimanual functional improvement with improved hand function from repeated doses of an augmented P-CIMT camp in children with CP.