Effect of Action Observation Training and Bimanual Arm Training on Hand Function for Children with Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Background: The background of the study focuses on addressing the challenges in hand function that thesechildren face due to their condition. Action observation training aims to leverage the brain’s mirror neuronsystem to improve motor skills by observing and imitating actions. Bimanual arm training involves coordinatedmovement of both arms to enhance functional abilities.Purpose: The study compared the effects of action observation training and bimanual arm training on handfunction in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy.Materials and Methods: A total of 30 children were chosen according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thesubjects were separated into two groups: action observation training (AOT) and bimanual arm training (BAT). TheFugl Meyer assessment scale (FMA) and the Box and Block test (BBT) were used for evaluating the result.Results: Both groups were homogenous at baseline, with a p value of 0.7866 in FMA and 0.6002 in BBT. Theresult of this study demonstrated that the action observation training group showed a better improvement thanbimanual arm training with a p value of < 0.0001.Conclusion: This study concluded that AOT improved hand function in cerebral palsy children.