Effects of Modified Constraint-induced Movement Therapy on Hand Dexterity, Grip Strength and Activities of Daily Living of Children with Cerebral Palsy: a Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

[Purpose] This study investigated hand function and activities of daily living (ADL) changes in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) using modified constraint induced movement therapy (mCIMT). [Subjects] Twenty children with CP were randomly allocated into mCIMT (n = 10) and control (CON) (n = 10) groups. [Methods] Two expert physical therapists provided the mCIMT and CON groups with traditional rehabilitation therapy in 30-minute sessions, semi-weekly, for 10 weeks. The mCIMT training was provided only to mCIMT group semiweekly for 10 weeks at 60 minutes per session. The CON group received traditional therapy only. Before and after the 10 weeks of intervention, hand function and ADL evaluations were performed, and the obtained data were analyzed. [Results] The mCIMT and CON groups showed significant differences in hand dexterity and grip strength on the affected side and ADL self-care subtest scores. [Conclusion] The results are not generalizable to all children with CP because of the small number of subjects. Detailed and diverse investigations should be performed by considering the number and characteristics of subjects and the limitations influencing the mCIMT training period.