Kinematics In Children Research Articles

Effect of Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) on kinematics in Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Introduction: Children with cerebral palsy have impaired motor control, caused by prenatal and postnatal causes that affect the developing brain which leads to Muscle weakness, sensory loss, and stiffness Objective: To assess the efficacy of floor reaction orthoses (FRO) and solid ankle foot orthoses (AFO) with gait's temporospatial factors. Methodology: It was experimental based with custom molded Floor reaction orthosis and Solid ankle foot orthosis, the sampling technique was Non-probability Convenience sampling the targeted population was CP patients, and trials were taken from the patient. Results: FRAFO significantly improved patient cadence, velocity, stride time, stance, and swing phases compared to SAFO, with better improvement in kinetic dynamics and a decrease in stance and swing phases. Conclusion: FRAFO is more effective than SAFO.

Kinematic Changes throughout Childhood in Youth with Cerebral Palsy: Influence of Age and Orthopaedic Surgery.

Abnormal gait kinematics are common in youth with cerebral palsy (CP), but prior studies have not analyzed their longitudinal change throughout childhood. This study examines how age and orthopaedic surgery influence gait kinematics throughout childhood in those with ambulatory CP. In this institutional review board-approved prospective cohort study, children with spastic CP (GMFCS I-III) were recruited at age 17-40 months. Instrumented gait analysis was performed at 3-year intervals from age 4 to 21 years, collecting longitudinal kinematic data in bare feet at a self-selected speed. The change in Gait Profile Score (ΔGPS) between each pair of gait analyses (intervals) was analyzed by age distribution (<10, 10-15, ≥15 years) and by presence/absence of orthopaedic surgery. The study included 31 children (GMFCS: I [13], II [14], III [4]). A baseline instrumented gait analysis was performed at age 5.8 ± 1.6 years with subsequent analysis at 2.5 ± 1.3-year intervals. Examining ΔGPS from baseline to final outcome, 87% of limbs were improved/unchanged; 298 intervals of ΔGPS were analyzed and classified as nonsurgical or surgical. Analysis revealed greater GPS improvement in intervals with surgery versus intervals without (p = 0.0004). Surgical intervals had significantly greater GPS improvement in the <10- vs. >15-year-old groups, p = 0.0063. Improvement in gait kinematics in children with CP is significantly influenced by age and timing of orthopaedic surgical intervention for gait correction, and was most pronounced for children <10 years old. Although surgery was associated with improved outcomes in all age groups, these improvements were significantly less for children >10 years old. These results reinforce the importance of considering the timing of orthopaedic surgery.

Three-dimensional MRI analysis of elbow anatomy and kinematics in children with ulnar dimelia.

Ulnar dimelia often presents with restricted elbow movement. To develop a treatment strategy to improve elbow mobility, a detailed understanding of the skeletal deformity is needed. We created 3-D models of the cartilage and bone in the elbows of four children with ulnar dimelia by segmentation of MRI scans. We analysed the anatomy and performed a kinematic analysis. In all four children, the distal humerus was triangular in shape and consisted of a medial epicondyle, an enlarged lateral epicondyle and an anterior epicondyle. By comparing the 3-D images with conventional radiographs, we found that the projection of the enlarged lateral epicondyle created two longitudinal lines, which is a radiographic hallmark feature of the triangular-shaped distal humerus. In addition, during elbow flexion, the radial forearm bone slides along the lateral trochlea rather than rotates. This knowledge can aid surgeons to plan treatment for improving elbow mobility in ulnar dimelia.Level of evidence: IV.

Changes in trunk and lower body gait kinematics in children following a Theia3D update

Changes in trunk and lower body gait kinematics in children following a Theia3D update

Jump Performance and Its Relationship with Lower Body Joint Kinetics and Kinematics in Children with Cerebral Palsy.

The aim was to quantify jump performance in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and determine if the expected deficit is related to their lower body joint kinetics and kinematics. Twenty-four ambulatory ( n = 17 level I and 7 level II in the Gross Motor Function Classification System) children with spastic CP ( n = 13 unilateral and 11 bilateral) and 24 age-, sex-, and race-matched typically developing controls were studied. Jump height and peak power and range of motion at the hip, knee, and ankle of the more affected limb in children with CP and the nondominant limb in controls were assessed during a countermovement jump using three-dimensional motion capture and a force platform. Compared with controls, children with CP had lower jump height (33%, Cohen's d ( d ) = 1.217), peak power at the knee (39%, d = 1.013) and ankle (46%, d = 1.687), and range of motion at the hip (32%, d = 1.180), knee (39%, d = 2.067), and ankle (46%, d = 3.195; all P < 0.001). Jump height was positively related to hip, knee, and ankle power and range of motion in children with CP ( rs range = 0.474-0.613, P < 0.05), and hip and ankle power and knee and ankle range of motion in controls ( rs range = 0.458-0.630, P < 0.05). The group difference in jump height was no longer detected when ankle joint power, ankle range of motion, or knee range of motion was statistically controlled ( P > 0.15). Jump performance is compromised in children with CP and is associated with low power generation and range of motion in the lower limb, especially at the ankle.

Does patella lowering as part of multilevel surgery improve knee kinematics in children with cerebral palsy and crouch gait? A meta-analysis of comparative studies.

To evaluate differences in knee kinematic outcomes of patellar-lowering surgery, specifically patellar tendon advancement or patellar tendon shortening, compared with no-patellar-lowering surgery in multilevel surgery for children with cerebral palsy and crouch gait. Four databases were searched to retrieve studies published from inception until 2023. Three reviewers independently screened for studies with observational or randomized control designs, comparing two groups of patients with cerebral palsy and crouch gait who underwent multilevel surgery (with patellar-lowering surgery versus no-patellar-lowering surgery), where various gait analysis outcomes were reported (CRD42023450692). The risk of bias was assessed with the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. Seven studies (249 patients and 368 limbs) met the eligibility criteria. Patients undergoing patellar-lowering surgery demonstrated statistically significant improvements in knee flexion at initial contact (mean difference = -6.39; 95% confidence interval = [-10.4, -2.75]; p = 0.0006; I2 = 84%), minimum knee flexion in stance (mean difference = -14.27; 95% confidence interval = [-18.31, -10.23]; p < 0.00001; I2 = 89%), and clinical knee flexion contracture (mean difference = -5.6; 95% confidence interval = [-9.59, -1.6]; p = 0.006; I2 = 95%), with a significant increase in anterior pelvic tilt (mean difference = 2.97; 95% confidence interval = [0.58, 5.36]; p = 0.01; I2 = 15%). However, improvements in gait deviation index and decrease in peak knee flexion in swing did not reach statistical significance. Subgroup analysis reduced heterogeneity and revealed (1) greater improvement using patellar tendon shortening versus patellar tendon advancement techniques; (2) lack of knee flexion contracture improvement in high-quality or longer-term studies; (3) longer-term improvement only in minimum knee flexion in stance, with a decrease in peak knee flexion in swing; and (4) an inability to assess the potential benefit of rectus femoris procedure and hamstring preservation. Overall, the combination of patellar-lowering surgery with multilevel surgery demonstrated superior improvements in stance-phase knee kinematics compared with multilevel surgery alone, despite an increase in anterior pelvic tilt and a longer-term knee flexion reduction during the swing phase. Level III, Systematic review of level III studies.

Detecting Movement Changes in Children with Hemiparesis after Upper Limb Therapies: A Responsiveness Analysis of a 3D Bimanual Protocol.

The "Be an Airplane Pilot" (BE API) protocol was developed to evaluate upper limb (UL) kinematics in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (uCP) during bimanual tasks. The aim of this study was to investigate the responsiveness of this protocol to changes in kinematics and movement quality after UL therapies, using individual and group analyses, and to analyse the relationships between kinematic and functional changes in these children. Twenty children with uCP (5-15 years old) either participated in bimanual intensive therapy or received UL botulinum toxin injections. All the children performed the BE API protocol and functional assessments (Assisting Hand Assessment [AHA]) before and after the interventions. The individual analyses found kinematic changes in 100% of the children after therapy. The group analysis found significantly higher trunk and shoulder deviations after the intensive therapy. No significant changes were found for smoothness or trajectory straightness. The changes in the kinematic deviations were moderately correlated with the changes in the AHA scores. This study confirmed the responsiveness of the BE API protocol to change after therapy; therefore, the protocol is now fully validated and can be implemented in clinical practice. Its use should help in the accurate identification of impairments so that individualized treatments can be proposed.

The effects of weight gain over time on gait in children with cerebral palsy: Comparison to a matched healthy weight cerebral palsy control group

BackgroundChildren with cerebral palsy (CP) have demonstrated higher rates of overweight and obesity than their typically developed peers. Limited studies have assessed how being overweight or obese affect lower limb kinematics during gait in these children. Research questionHow are lower limb kinematics during gait affected in children with CP who progress from a healthy weight to being overweight or obese compared to a well-matched healthy weight CP control group? MethodsA retrospective analysis of the movement analysis laboratory database was conducted.Children with CP were included if they were aged between 4 and 17 years at baseline,had a follow-up assessment with a minimum of 12 months between assessments, and had no orthopaedic interventions between assessments. A matched control group of children with CP with the same inclusion criteria, except for a requirement of healthy BMI at follow-up, was included. Temporal-spatial and full 3-dimensional lower limb kinematic data were examined. ResultsNormalized speed and step length reduced from baseline to follow-up for both groups,with no difference in the amount of change between groups. Children with increased BMI demonstrated increased external hip rotation during stance at follow-up not evident in the control group. SignificanceResults demonstrated similar changes over time between groups. Increased external hip rotation in children with increased BMI was considered small and within the threshold of error associated with transverse plane kinematics. Our results suggest that being overweight or obese does not result in a meaningful change in lower limb kinematics in children with CP.

Rectus femoris transfers with and without a hamstring lengthening will not change hip kinematics in children with cerebral palsy

BackgroundA rectus femoris transfer (RFT) surgery with and without a hamstring lengthening (HSL) is used to treat stiff-knee gait in children with cerebral palsy (CP). While current literature has reported that a RFT surgery improves the kinematics at the knee, little is known about the kinematic changes at the hip. Research questionDoes a RFT surgery change hip joint kinematics in children with CP? MethodsThis retrospective study included children (<18 years old) diagnosed with CP, who underwent a RFT procedure, and who were seen at our institution’s accredited clinical motion laboratory. Patients with both pre- and post-operative gait analysis were identified and comparison between those analyses were performed to identify kinematic differences at the hip and knee. A total of 66 legs from 46 children (mean age: 11.1 ± 3.6) met the inclusion criteria. ResultsOverall results revealed that a RFT did not change kinematics at the hip [p > 0.05], however, a RFT did increase the maximum knee flexion during the swing period [Mean Difference Post – Pre: 8.3°, 95% CI: 4.9–11.8, p < 0.0001]. Additionally, it was found that changes in hip extension during the terminal stance phase were significantly different between the combined RFT and HSL compared to solely an RFT. The results of this study also revealed that children whose stiff-knee gait did not improve, tended to have increased hip external rotation during terminal stance and swing and greater hip extension during terminal stance, compared to children whose stiff-knee gait did improve. SignificanceOverall, a RFT with and without a HSL surgery improves hip and knee kinematics in the sagittal plane, however, improvements at the hip were not clinically significant. As a result, a RFT or a combined RFT with HSL should not be used to change hip kinematics in children with CP.

A deep-learning approach for automatically detecting gait-events based on foot-marker kinematics in children with cerebral palsy-Which markers work best for which gait patterns?

Neuromotor pathologies often cause motor deficits and deviations from typical locomotion, reducing the quality of life. Clinical gait analysis is used to effectively classify these motor deficits to gain deeper insights into resulting walking behaviours. To allow the ensemble averaging of spatio-temporal metrics across individuals during walking, gait events, such as initial contact (IC) or toe-off (TO), are extracted through either manual annotation based on video data, or through force thresholds using force plates. This study developed a deep-learning long short-term memory (LSTM) approach to detect IC and TO automatically based on foot-marker kinematics of 363 cerebral palsy subjects (age: 11.8 ± 3.2). These foot-marker kinematics, including 3D positions and velocities of the markers located on the hallux (HLX), calcaneus (HEE), distal second metatarsal (TOE), and proximal fifth metatarsal (PMT5), were extracted retrospectively from standard barefoot gait analysis sessions. Different input combinations of these four foot-markers were evaluated across three gait subgroups (IC with the heel, midfoot, or forefoot). For the overall group, our approach detected 89.7% of ICs within 16ms of the true event with a 18.5% false alarm rate. For TOs, only 71.6% of events were detected with a 33.8% false alarm rate. While the TOE|HEE marker combination performed well across all subgroups for IC detection, optimal performance for TO detection required different input markers per subgroup with performance differences of 5-10%. Thus, deep-learning LSTM based detection of IC events using the TOE|HEE markers offers an automated alternative to avoid operator-dependent and laborious manual annotation, as well as the limited step coverage and inability to measure assisted walking for force plate-based detection of IC events.

Dynamic knee valgus prevalence in children and its association with pain intensity, foot mobility, and sex— A cross-sectional study

IntroductionKnee pain can impact the performance of activities and sports participation in children. Dynamic knee valgus is a movement pattern commonly related to health conditions that may be associated with sex and foot kinematics in children. ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of dynamic knee valgus and its relationship with foot mobility, sex, and knee pain in children. MethodA cross-sectional observational study was carried out with 144 children (10–18 years old). The pain level was investigated using the Visual Analog Pain Scale and categorized into no pain/minor pain (≤2 cm), moderate pain (3–4,9 cm), and severe pain (≥5.0 cm). Foot mobility was assessed using the adapted navicular drop test and categorized into poor/adequate foot mobility (0.0 cm–0.9 cm) and greater foot mobility (≥1.0 cm). The dynamic knee valgus presence was checked using the step-down test. The association analysis was performed using simple tabulation considering the cluster effect. The Prevalence Ratios and the respective confidence intervals (95%) were estimated from Multiple Poisson Regression with robust variance. A significance level of 5% was adopted. ResultsThe dynamic knee valgus prevalence was 26.3% and 26.9% in the right and left lower limbs, respectively. Females presented greater dynamic knee valgus frequency in the left lower limb than males. The dynamic knee valgus presence in males was associated with foot mobility in right (p = 0.001) (Prevalence Ratio: 9.33 Confidence Interval: 2.93–29.72) and left lower limbs (p = 0.003) (Prevalence Ratio: 6.25 Confidence Interval: 1.7–22.62). ConclusionMale and female children showed different relationships of the analyzed factors, suggesting that characteristics related to sex may impact the aspects linked to dynamic knee in children.

Влияние отводящего ортеза на кинематические показатели тазобедренного сустава при ходьбе у детей со спастическими формами ДЦП

Introduction Adduction or flexion-adduction contracture of the hip joint often causes static and dynamic impairments in children with spastic cerebral palsy that can be corrected with hip abduction orthosis. No reports confirming or rejecting the effectiveness of the method in the gait correction have not found. The objective was to explore the effect of the hip abduction orthosis on gait kinematics in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Material and methods Twelve biomechanical tests were performed for 6 patients of GMFCS level 3 (6 tests with hip abduction orthosis and 6 tests with no hip abduction orthosis). Gait analysis was produced using the Qualisys Miqus M5 motion capture system (Sweden). Clinical gait analysis was performed with PAF 2.0 of QTM software, Visual3D, Statistica 10 and Excel. Results A comparative analysis of the mean values showed differences in the gait parameters depending on test conditions. Improvements in the spatial-temporal parameters ranged between 0.4 % and 23.6 % with use of orthosis. The kinematic analysis of large joints demonstrated a slight positive effect on the hip joint function. There were no significant differences in the function of other joints. The use of orthosis improved the overall gait index score for the left and right lower limbs by 12.5 % and 5.7 %, respectively. A detailed analysis of the gait index for large joints of the lower limbs demonstrated the discrete improvement. Conclusion Hip abduction orthosis showed a positive effect on the gait pattern of children with spastic cerebral palsy.

Psychometric properties of upper limb kinematics during functional tasks in children and adolescents with dyskinetic cerebral palsy

Dyskinetic cerebral palsy (DCP) is characterised by involuntary movements, and the movement patterns of children with DCP have not been extensively studied during upper limb tasks. The aim of this study is to evaluate psychometric properties of upper limb kinematics in participants with DCP and typically developing (TD) participants. In current repeatability and validity study, forty individuals with typical development (n = 20) and DCP (n = 20) performed a reach forward/sideways and a reach and grasp task during motion analysis on two occasions. Joint angles at point of task achievement (PTA) and spatio-temporal parameters were evaluated within-and between-sessions using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM). Independent t-tests/Mann-Whitney-U tests were used to compare parameters between groups. Within-session ICC values ranged from 0.45 to 1.0 for all parameters for both groups. Within-session SEM values ranged from 1.1° to 11.7° for TD participants and from 1.9° to 13.0° for participants with DCP. Eight within-session repetitions resulted in the smallest change in ICC and SEM values for both groups. Within-session variability was higher for participants with DCP in comparison with the TD group for the majority of the joint angles and spatio-temporal parameters. Intrinsic variability over time was small for all angles and spatio-temporal parameters, whereas extrinsic variability was higher for elbow and scapula angles. Between-group differences revealed lower shoulder adduction and higher elbow flexion, pronation and wrist flexion, as well as higher trajectory deviation and a lower maximal velocity for participants with DCP. This is the first study to assess the psychometric properties of upper limb kinematics in children and adolescents with DCP, showing that children with DCP show higher variability during task execution, requiring a minimum of eight repetitions. However, their variable movement pattern can be reliably captured within-and between-sessions, confirming the potential of three-dimensional motion analysis for assessment of rehabilitation interventions in DCP.

Trunk and pelvis kinematics in children with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP): A comparison of bilateral clinical data to published data

Trunk and pelvis kinematics in children with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP): A comparison of bilateral clinical data to published data

The impact of BMI progression on gait kinematics in children with cerebral palsy

The impact of BMI progression on gait kinematics in children with cerebral palsy

Upper Limb Movement Measurement Systems for Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Literature Review.

Quantifying the quality of upper limb movements is fundamental to the therapeutic process of patients with cerebral palsy (CP). Several clinical methods are currently available to assess the upper limb range of motion (ROM) in children with CP. This paper focuses on identifying and describing available techniques for the quantitative assessment of the upper limb active range of motion (AROM) and kinematics in children with CP. Following the screening and exclusion of articles that did not meet the selection criteria, we analyzed 14 studies involving objective upper extremity assessments of the AROM and kinematics using optoelectronic devices, wearable sensors, and low-cost Kinect sensors in children with CP aged 4–18 years. An increase in the motor function of the upper extremity and an improvement in most of the daily tasks reviewed were reported. In the population of this study, the potential of wearable sensors and the Kinect sensor natural user interface as complementary devices for the quantitative evaluation of the upper extremity was evident. The Kinect sensor is a clinical assessment tool with a unique markerless motion capture system. Few authors had described the kinematic models and algorithms used to estimate their kinematic analysis in detail. However, the kinematic models in these studies varied from 4 to 10 segments. In addition, few authors had followed the joint assessment recommendations proposed by the International Society of Biomechanics (ISB). This review showed that three-dimensional analysis systems were used primarily for monitoring and evaluating spatiotemporal variables and kinematic parameters of upper limb movements. The results indicated that optoelectronic devices were the most commonly used systems. The joint assessment recommendations proposed by the ISB should be used because they are approved standards for human kinematic assessments. This review was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42021257211).

Restricted Kinematics in Children With Autism in the Execution of Complex Oscillatory Arm Movements.

Restricted and repetitive behavior is a core symptom of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) characterized by features of restrictedness, repetition, rigidity, and invariance. Few studies have investigated how restrictedness is manifested in motor behavior. This study aimed to address this question by instructing participants to perform the utmost complex movement. Twenty children with ASD and 23 children with typical development (TD) performed one-dimensional, left-right arm oscillations by demonstrating varying amplitudes and frequencies. The entropy of amplitude and velocity was calculated as an index of kinematic complexity. Results showed that the velocity entropy, but not the amplitude entropy, was significantly lower in ASD than in TD (p < 0.01), suggesting restricted kinematics. Further analysis demonstrated that a significantly higher proportion of the velocity values was allocated at a low-speed level in the children with ASD (p < 0.01). A qualitative comparison of the complex movement with movement at preferred frequency suggested that the children with ASD might be less likely to shift away from the preferred movement. However, our study can be improved in terms of recruiting a larger sample of participants, measuring the level of motivation, and collecting both complex and preferred movements of the same participant.

Associations of hamstring and triceps surae muscle spasticity and stance phase gait kinematics in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy

Clinical decisions on interventions to improve function in children with cerebral palsy (CP) are based, in part, on hypothesized interactions amongst physical signs of CP and functional deficits. However, a knowledge gap exists regarding associations between spasticity and gait function. This study quantified associations of hamstring and triceps surae spasticity with hip, knee and ankle CP gait patterns. This is a cohort study of children and adolescents [n = 51; 31 male; 20 female; spastic diplegia; Gross Motor Function Classification System I (n = 23) and II (n = 28)] who participated in a clinical consult including gait (Motion Analysis, USA) and modified Tardieu scale (MTS) testing (hamstrings, triceps surae). Shape-based clustering was performed on stance phase sagittal hip, knee and ankle patterns using z-normalized and non-normalized data. Linear regression (R, v3.5.0, R Core Team, Austria) was conducted to assess associations between MTS measures and data clusters (α = 0.05). Shape-clustering revealed two hip and three knee and ankle clusters for z-normalized and non-normalized data. Significant associations of hamstring spasticity and joint patterns were observed for z-normalized knee clusters (CKnee A p = 0.002; CKnee B p = 0.006) and interactions amongst non-normalized hip and knee clusters (CHipA:CKnee B p = 0.033). Trends were observed for soleus spasticity and gastrocnemius range of motion angle and non-normalized ankle clusters (CAnkle B p = 0.051; CAnkle B p = 0.053 respectively). Significant associations of early knee extension and hamstring spasticity, observed using shape-clustering of z-normalized data, provide unique information that may inform the identification of individuals most likely to benefit from spasticity management and targets for spasticity management assessment.

Long-term results of medial open reduction surgery on pelvic and hip kinematics in children with developmental hip dislocation:A pilot study

Total hip arthroplasty in severe dysplasia is challenging due to diminished periacetabular bone stock and the highly placed femoral head. Although anatomical reconstruction of the hip, with required interventions such as subtrochanteric osteotomy and graft usage, is the main aim of the procedure, good long-term clinical outcomes of the high hip center technique have also been reported. Information regarding the effect of hip center placement on gait characteristics is limited; therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze the differences in gait parameters between the high hip center technique and anatomical reconstruction of the hip.Twenty patients (40 hips) with bilateral Crowe type III-IV developmental dysplasia of the hip who underwent bilateral total hip arthroplasty and completed at least 2 years of follow-up were included. Group 1 comprised 10 patients (20 hips) who underwent anatomical hip center reconstruction, while group 2 comprised 10 patients (20 hips) who underwent high hip center reconstruction. The gait characteristics of patients were examined through markers placed in certain anatomical regions, the cameras placed around, and the force plates embedded in the walking platform.There was no significant difference in the gait characteristics according to the location of the hip rotation center. The mean temporospatial, kinematic, and kinetic values were similar between the groups. The most prominent difference was in the peak dynamic hip extension, which was lower in group 2 (−9.71° ± 7.46°) compared to group 1 (−6.80° ± 11.44°), although it was not statistically significant (P = .09).The bilateral high hip center technique can provide similar gait characteristics as anatomical reconstruction and may be preferred in particularly difficult cases based on the surgeon’s decision.

Effects of combining constraint-induced movement therapy and action-observation training on upper limb kinematics in children with unilateral cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial

Modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) improves upper limb (UL) motor execution in unilateral cerebral palsy (uCP). As these children also show motor planning deficits, action-observation training (AOT) might be of additional value. Here, we investigated the combined value of AOT to mCIMT on UL kinematics in children with uCP in a randomized controlled trial. Thirty-six children with uCP completed an UL kinematic and clinical evaluation after participating in a 9-day mCIMT camp wearing a splint for 6 h/day. The experimental group (mCIMT + AOT, n = 20) received 15 h of AOT, i.e. video-observation and execution of unimanual tasks. The control group (mCIMT + placebo, n = 16) watched biological-motion free videos and executed the same tasks. We examined changes in motor control (movement duration, peak velocity, time-to-peak velocity, and trajectory straightness) and kinematic movement patterns (using Statistical Parametric Mapping) during the execution of three unimanual, relevant tasks before the intervention, after and at 6 months follow-up. Adding AOT to mCIMT mainly affected movement duration during reaching, whereas little benefit is seen on UL movement patterns. mCIMT, with or without AOT, improved peak velocity and trajectory straightness, and proximal movement patterns. Clinical and kinematic improvements are poorly related. Although there seem to be limited benefits of AOT to CIMT on UL kinematics, our results support the inclusion of kinematics to capture changes in motor control and movement patterns of the proximal joints.