CIMT May Improve Arm Use for Kids with CP
New research shows that constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) could be an effective treatment for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. A recent review looked at 21 intervention studies and 2 systematic reviews regarding CIMT and its benefits. It concluded that future research should focus more specific ways to treat limbs that are affected by cerebral palsy. For instance, the frequency, duration, and type of constraint being used to treat the limbs.
According to research, similar success has been achieved when both arms of the patient are used together while in therapy. However, there hasn't been enough research comparing these two types of physical therapy thus far. Although researchers believe the new findings regarding CIMT in children with cerebral palsy are hopeful, they agree that more research needs to be done on the impact of CIMT on a child who is in the stages of development, particularly in terms of their brain regions.
What is Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a disability that children can be born with as the result of medical malpractice or a complication during childbirth or the first years of life. Hemiplegic cerebral palsy is a type of disability that affects one arm and leg located on the same side of the child's body. CIMT may be able to help with this particular disability by forcing the use of the affected side of the patent's body. The therapy may be able to help the upper body in particular, by restraining the side that's not affected in a mitt, sling, or cast.
While the unaffected part of the body is being restrained, the patient practices moving the affected part of the body throughout the session at varying durations of time and intensity. In most studies conducted linking CIMT with cerebral palsy therapy, positive effects were demonstrated 6 to 8 months after intervention in the majority of patients.
