Does intensive upper limb treatment modality Hybrid Constrained Induced Movement Therapy (H-CIMT) improve grip and pinch strength or fatigability of the affected hand?

Issue title: Pediatric Constraint Induced Movement Therapy: Harnessing Adaptive Neuroplasticity

Guest editors: Frank S. Pidcock

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Brauers, L.^{a; *} | Geijen, M.M.E.^{a; b} | Speth, L.A.W.M.^a | Rameckers, E.A.A.^{a; b; c}

Affiliations: [a] Adelante Centre of Expertise in Rehabilitation and Audiology, Valkenburg and Hoensbroek, The Netherlands | [b] Department Functioning and Rehabilitation, CAPHRI, FHML, UM Maastricht, The Netherlands | [c] Master of Specialised Physical Therapy, AVANSplus, Breda, The Netherlands

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Lieke Brauers, Adelante Center of Expertise in Rehabilitation and Audiology, Zandbergsweg 111, 6432 CC Hoensbroek, The Netherlands. Tel.: +31 45 528 23 58; E-mail:l.brauers@adelante-zorggroep.nl

Abstract: PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of Hybrid-Constrained Induced Movement Therapy (H-CIMT), defined as CIMT combined with Bimanual Intensive Movement Therapy (BIMT), on grip and pinch strength and fatigability we measured grip and pinch strength and fatigability during clinical H-CIMT. METHODS: The children participated in a H-CIMT model organized in a therapeutic summer-camp. Children received 90 hours of intensive treatment. Grip and pinch strength and fatigability was measured and fatigue was calculated according to a Static Fatigue Index (SFI). RESULTS: Pinch strength significantly increased, grip strength did not increase significantly. A non-significant decrease was seen in SFI in pinch and grip. CONCLUSIONS: H-CIMT showed to be effective in increasing muscle pinch strength in the AH. Effectiveness in decreasing muscle fatigue during grip and pinch tests is not yet shown although there was a tendency towards a decrease in muscle fatigue. However, the long-term effects on these aspects are also important in future research.

Keywords: H-CIMT, BIMT, strength, static fatigue index, cerebral palsy

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-170406

Journal: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 11-17, 2017