Article

This study investigated the effects of a theme-based ('magic') variation of
the hand-arm bimanual intensive therapy programme, in two different countries, in
improving activity performance for children with hemiplegia, including those with
severe movement restrictions. METHOD: Twenty-three children with spastic
hemiplegia (13 males, 10 females; mean age 10y 7mo, range 7-15y; Manual Ability
Classification System level I, two; level II, 13; level III, eight), participated
in one of three, 2-week, summer camps. A within-participant experimental design
was used with the Assisting Hand Assessment and Children's Hand Experience
Questionnaire as primary outcome measures. Evaluations occurred immediately
before the first day, on the last day, and 3 months after intervention. Two
groups underwent additional assessments 2 weeks before the camp. RESULTS:
Significant intervention effects were seen on the Assisting Hand Assessment
(p=0.002) and on the Children's Hand Experience Questionnaire (p<0.001), the
latter maintained at follow-up. The affected hand was reported to be used in 25%
of bimanual activities before the camp, progressing to 93% after camp, and
decreasing to 86% at follow-up. Severity of impairment did not influence progress. INTERPRETATION: This themed approach to intensive intervention showed
positive results in bimanual use, with improvements in independence sustained at
follow-up. Although children across camps and motor severity made progress, some
questions remain about intensity and duration of intervention to optimize longer-term outcomes.
CI - (c) The Authors. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology (c) 2013 Mac Keith
Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS