Effectiveness Of Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Compared To Hand-Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy On Quality Of Upper Extremity Function In Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy Children - An Experimental Study

ABSTRACT

Background:Hemiplegic Cerebral palsy (CP) impairs hand function leading to inability or difficulty to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). Beside traditional therapies several new techniques like mCIMT & HABIT are in practice which focuses on precise and appropriate targeted results. There is a need to include a treatment protocol which is effective, easy and can be done under parents’ guidance in home setting. Purpose of this study was to find and compare the effect of mCIMT & HABIT on the quality of upper extremity function in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.Objectives:To study the effects of mCIMT, HABIT and conventional therapy on quality of upper extremity function in hemiplegic cerebral palsy children and to compare the effects of mCIMT, HABIT & conventional therapy on quality of upper extremity function in hemiplegic cerebral palsy children. Material & Methods:The study included 20 children who were diagnosed cases of hemiplegic CP. The experimental groups were given mCIMT and HABIT with conventional therapy and the control group received only conventional therapy.Quality of upper extremity skills test (QUEST) was used as an outcome measure. All groups were evaluated with the QUEST before and after 4 weeks of treatment. Results: The results showed statistical difference in the final QUEST scores(p=0.001) between all the groups as well as difference in dissociated movement, grasp & weight bearing. There was however no difference in protective extension (p=0.704) domain. Also, there was statistically no significant improvement in weight bearing and protective extension within the group while dissociated movement, grasp and QUEST Score showed improvement. Conclusion:This study concluded that mCIMT is more effective than HABIT & CT alone in improving quality of upper extremity function in hemiplegic cerebral palsy children.