INTERPRETATION In children with CP , h and splints may have a small benefit for upper limb skills .
However , results are diminished after splint wearing stops .
AIM The aim of this review was to determine the effectiveness of h and splinting for improving h and function in children with cerebral palsy ( CP ) and brain injury .
Bimanual Training and Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy in Children With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy
Background . Constraint-induced movement therapy ( CIMT ) promotes h and function using intensive unimanual practice along with restraint of the less-affected h and . CIMT has not been compared with a treatment with equivalent dosing frequency and intensity in children with cerebral palsy ( CP ) . Objectives . The authors report a r and omized trial comparing CIMT and a bimanual intervention ( h and -arm intensive bimanual therapy ; HABIT ) that maintains the intensity of practice associated with CIMT but where children are engaged in functional bimanual tasks . Methods . A total of 42 participants with hemiplegic CP between the ages of 3.5 and 10 years ( matched for age and h and function ) were r and omized to receive 90 hours of CIMT or an equivalent dosage of functional bimanual training ( HABIT ) conducted in day-camp environments . A physical therapist blinded to treatment allocation tested h and function before and after treatment . The primary outcomes were changes in Jebsen-Taylor Test of H and Function ( JTTHF ) and Assisting H and Assessment ( AHA ) scores . Secondary measures included the Goal Attainment Scale ( GAS ) . Results . Both the CIMT and HABIT groups demonstrated comparable improvement from the pretest to immediate posttest in the JTTHF and AHA ( P < .0001 ) , which were maintained at 6 months . GAS , however , revealed greater progress toward goals for the HABIT group ( P < .0001 ) , with continued improvement across test sessions for both groups ( P < .0001 ) . Conclusions . Both CIMT and bimanual training lead to similar improvements in h and function . A potential benefit of bimanual training is that participants may improve more on self-determined goals
INTERPRETATION In children with CP , h and splints may have a small benefit for upper limb skills .
However , results are diminished after splint wearing stops .
AIM The aim of this review was to determine the effectiveness of h and splinting for improving h and function in children with cerebral palsy ( CP ) and brain injury .